Hi friends. Happy Thanksgiving week! Today's story is a lil field trip to some cool and historic signs around Boise. Enjoy!

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Rudy the Rooster

Rudy the Rooster is the seven-foot-tall bird perched on top of Capri Restaurant’s rotating sign. Rudy is a landmark that is particularly beloved by longtime North Enders, as he used to rest above the door to Jim’s Coffee Shop, which was a neighborhood coffee joint on Fort Street where 208 Pho & Vegan is now.

When Jim’s closed, Rudy was in need of a new coop.

According to the Idaho Statesman, Rudy was purchased by Nick West, owner of Capri Restaurant. He decided to make Capri Rudy's new home to keep him close to the North End. Also if you've never been to Capri, it's a damn good breakfast.

Cabana Inn

The Cabana Inn is a little budget motel in the west end of downtown Boise, and its darling neon hat sign has become a Boise landmark. There isn't really a story behind the Cabana Inn's sign (not that I could find anyway). It's just super cute! Also it kinda feels like the Cabana Inn is in danger of being leveled and turned into a big tall building eventually, so appreciate it while you can.

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The Palomino at Somewhere Bar

In 2021, Garden City got its first gay bar – Somewhere. It marked the beginning of a new era for the historic building and its iconic rearing palomino. Before Somewhere, the building was the Ranch Club for many, many years.

The Ranch Club opened in the mid-1940s by Helen Guyer – and it wasn’t in Garden City. In fact, Garden City didn’t even exist then. The original Ranch Club was in New Plymouth, where gambling was legal. A few years later when Garden City was incorporated as a new village, Ranch Club was moved in pieces from New Plymouth and rebuilt in its current location. It re-opened in Garden City in 1950.

By then gambling was legal in Garden City and the Ranch Club was the place to go to play slot machines, which were made illegal in 1954. It was the place to socialize over a smoke and a cocktail up until it closed.

It's most notable feature is the giant horse rearing above the sign. The horse you see today is not the original. The first horse had a rider – a cowboy sat atop a rearing horse, poised in roping position with a giant neon lariat that looked like it was spinning.

According to the Idaho Statesman, the cowboy blew off in a storm in the mid 60s. Then people kept climbing up and trying to ride the horse, so then the saddle had to go too. Eventually it was replaced with the palomino we see today. (Also, Somewhere Bar recently closed on November 2, 2024. Not sure why or what will become of the historic building.)

Betty the Washer Woman

If you’ve ever driven down Vista Ave, you’ve seen Betty the Washer Woman. She’s been hard at work for decades.

According to Boise & The Treasure Valley History Facebook page, Betty was originally created by Andy Teague and first appeared in the 1950s on top of the sign for Maytag Laundry. When that business closed, Betty disappeared for about 15 years. She was eventually restored by Bruce Whittig and placed back on top of the sign on Vista Ave.

Betty has dressed up in different outfits over the years, like a Red Cross outfit and vet scrubs. And one time in 2019, someone knocked her head off!

The Torch

The Torch is a strip club with an undeniably cool neon sign. It’s also supposedly the birthplace of the famous finger steaks. That's all I know about it.

Westside Drive In

Speaking of finger steaks, Westside Drive In is another historic (and delicious) local landmark. You can’t miss the pink neon signs and baby blue painted drive-in, especially at night.

Westside Drive In opened in 1957 on State Street. Chef Lou came along and purchased the business in 1994, creating the mouth-watering menu that we know and love today. It’s known for perfectly greasy burgers, finger steaks, milkshakes, and its famous ice cream baked potato.

Alright that's all I've got for today. What's your favorite local sign? Thanks for reading and have a great turkey day!

With love from Boise,

Marissa