Bringing Back Burma-Shave Signs

Roadside Humor Returns to Iowa

A guy who drives...his car wide open...is not thinkin'...he's just hopin'.

Humorous roadside verses like this one dotted rural highways across the country from the 1930s through the early '60s. Each set featured short lines on five or six separate posts to be read in sequence - ending with the flourished logo of Burma-Shave on the last sign. As highways speeds increased and interstates crisscrossed the country, they went by the wayside.

In April 2010, we first told you about our plan to bring back Burma-Shave signs to Iowa. Our goal was to erect one set of these signs in each of Iowa's 99 counties, each featuring one of the original jingles...with one small difference: The last sign will say Our Iowa.

Three years later, we met that goal...all 99 counties have signs installed!

For a list of locations click here. For more information, please email editors@OurIowaMagazine.com.

Recently, KCCI News 8 did a story on the signs on their news show. Click the links below to view online.

Link: Photo Slide Show                                                     

Link: Burma-Shave Signs on TV

Here's an Idea for a Fun Road Trip!

In small towns...things were so tame...we even knew...the dogs by name.

Take along a copy of our Directory of Iowa's Best Ma & Pa Restaurants while looking up the single set of signs in each county, and use the $5-off coupons to eat at these diners all along the way. You can order one online or by calling 515-232-0075.

That'd be a tough trip to top - good scenery, good fun and good food!

For a printable list of Burma-Shave sites and detailed locations click on the link below.

Link: Burma-Shave Sign Locations

Union County - Afton

Jackson County - Preston