For you out-of-towners and those abroad, here is a little history behind that big bottle cap in the sky on Nicollet Island in Minneapolis, part of my inspiration for the Beer Boy Delivery bike....
Arguably the most beloved, most mysterious, and most written about sign in Minneapolis, the Grain Belt Beer sign on Nicollet Island, has a rich history. It is name checked by the nationally-recognized band The Hold Steady in their song “Party Pit,” and is likely the only sign in Minneapolis that has a
Twitter and
Foursquare account.
What a sight!
1960, View from Hennepin Avenue Bridge, Source: City of Minneapolis
Built in 1941 for $5,000, the Grain Belt Beer bottle cap sign is one of the largest freestanding neon signs in the region. The sign is approximately 50 feet wide and 40 feet tall.
According to the Schell’s Brewing website, the sign’s bottle cap design with a red diamond background dates back to 1938, reflecting the company’s dominance of package beer sales. Even when it is not lit, the porcelain-faced sign is a striking addition to the river landscape, displaying the beer’s signature color combination of red, yellow, and black. The “M” inside a circle above “Grain Belt Beer” is the logo for the original brewing company, Minneapolis Brewing.
When lit, the sign elicits glowing accolades. Former Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commissioner Tom Hollman stated, “It just doesn’t flash at you; it presents a show.” 1,400 incandescent light bulbs spell out the beer’s name one letter at a time—G-R-A-I-N B-E-L-T—followed shortly after by a flashing “BEER.” According to the sign contractor that completed the 1989 restoration work, the lighting sequence after the restoration may have varied from the original sequence. The sign also displays more than 800 feet of exposed neon. The bottle cap and the diamond are lined with red neon, while the Minneapolis Brewing Company’s “M” circular logo and border are outlined in green.