Reddy's Back in Sioux City, Iowa

The October 20th Sioux City Journal reports that Reddy Kilowatt, the cartoon-like metal and neon sign that long greeted visitors to town was lit up for the first time in over a decade. and is near its original site.

The Historic Fourth Street District spent $6,000 on the makeover.

In case you don't know who he is (I didn't at first, but after the description, remembered), here is a description. It is a red neon stick figure, bulbous head, light bulb nose, sockets for ears and lightning bolts for body and limbs.

The one in Sioux City was part of a larger neon sign owned by the Iowa Public Service Co. and was erected in 1959 atop its downtown building. The sign was removed in 1996 for repairs, but never re erected.

Reddy Kilowatt made his debut in 1926. During the 1950s and 1960s it was used as corporate spokesman for more than 200 utilities. In 1947, it was featured in a comic book and a Hollywood movie.

The 1970s energy crisis helped cause his demise from the public eye. Today, he is rarely seen, but his likeness draws top-dollar at on-line auctions.

He even has his own website: http://www.reddykilowatt.org/

"Reddy's back in town" by Dave Dreeszen

There were four comments, all favorable. C'Mon, how could you not like the guy, or is it a gal?

This Was SHOCKING News to Me. --RoadDog