Images(2)

Sign, Advertising

Object number2021.55.2

Made by Bob Russel

Date1960-2022

MediumPlastic; Paint

Credit LineGift of Simon Family

DescriptionFlat, rectangular white plastic sign. Two holes along top edge. Front has six yellow starbursts surrounding red, blue, and black text advertising private party room. Reverse is undecorated.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 48 x 17.25 x 0.25 in. (121.9 x 43.8 x 0.6 cm)
InscriptionsFront has red-outlined blue text and black text: "PRIVATE / PARTY ROOM / AVAILABLE / AT THE / TOP OF THE / 'O' / Ask about our / Special deals / For / Reservations".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to The Original Hot Dog Shop chain. The original restaurant opened in 1960 and was located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It closed in April 2020. At one point there were locations in Plum, Monroeville, Penn Hills, the South SIde, Carnegie Mellon University (1996-2006,) and Falls Church, Virginia. This sign is from the Oakland location. Donor Terry Campasano owned the restaurant along with her brother Bruce Simon. “The O” was an Oakland institution best known for their fries cooked in peanut oil. Several food documentaries and lists featured the O for their famous hot dogs and fries. They closed the doors to the original shop in April of 2020 after 60 years. Sitting at the corner of Forbes and South Bouquet Streets, "The O" opened in 1960 by brothers Sydney and Morris Simon. Sydney eventually took over as sole owner until his passing in 2009. His children Terry and Bruce then took over.

Related institution The Original Hot Dog Shop (1960 - 2020)

Related institution Carnegie Mellon University

Previous owner Terry Campasano

Previous owner Bruce Simon

Related person Sydney Simon (died 2009)

Related person Morris Simon

Subjects