Sign, Identification
Object number2017.129.1
Date1977
MediumPlywood; Paint; Metal
Credit LineGift of Dan Charny
DescriptionDoo-Dah Records Shop sign.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 24 × 63.25 × 2 in. (61 × 160.7 × 5.1 cm)InscriptionsFront has black and red painted text "304 BOUQUET / THE DOO-DAH SHOP / RECORDS BOUGHT AND SOLD DAILY".
Historical NotesDan Charny was inspired to open the Doo-Dah Records Shop after visiting numerous second-hand record stores in San Diego, Ca., in the mid-1970s. At the time, Pittsburgh’s record scene was comprised of national and local chain stores like National Record Mart. Charny spent several months buying cheap lots of records at estate sales before opening Doo-Dah at 304 S. Bouquet Street in Oakland in 1977. Charny primarily advertised for the store in the Pitt News using the personals as a catchy way of drawing customers. The store sold primarily rock and jazz, and Charny added used sci-fi books a few months later. The store closed after a year when Charny was offered a job as a buyer for the South Hills location of Peaches, a national record store. Among his repeat customers was Jerry Weber, who went on to open Garbage Records and Jerry’s in Oakland and Squirrel Hill the following year. The sign hung right outside the front door.
Previous owner
Dan Charny
Related institution
Doo-Dah Records Shop
On View
Not on view1991-2019
1986-2003
1970-2000
1991-2000
2005
2011-2019