The Nut Tree Right Lane outlet Marker, Vacaville [unframed digital print]

From the 1964 through the 2015 when the last of 2 72-foot displays featuring a green tree emblazoned with the words “NUT TREE” in triplicate served as a beacon along Interstate 80 signaling drivers traveling between Sacramento and the Bay Area that it was time to stop and stretch their feet and feed their tummies.

Made out of crushed green glass, obsidian and marble embedded in concrete, the displays were installed in 1964 to alert passing drivers to the renowned Nut Tree tourist stop. It was designed by Don Birrell, who controlled the branding of the Nut Tree for over 30 years.

Each sign took 2 years to build. The displays were manufactured by Grassi American Corp. located in South San Francisco.

In 1966 each sign was illuminated to bring "forceful identification" to the directional displays. Eight 400-watt ground-mounted metalare floodlights produced high-level illumination for each 72-foot display. These lights replaced a dozen 500-watt floodlights that were outlet part of the original design.

Here, the sign has been recreated under nightfall using Illustrator, color matching, imagination and fond memories.