Scott’s panoramic pic of Smith’s.

A couple days ago, Dave posted a pic at InDecatur that showed an old “Smith’s Shoes” sign had reappeared over Sage’s old location on the Square.  On seeing it, I hoped this meant the new owners of the Iberian Pig were bringing a piece of history back to the Square.  Today I received word that this isn’t part of the plan.   According to a source, The Pig has plans to paint over the old sign.

I’m hoping we can change their mind.

The owner and tenants of this building ultimately can do what they want, but Decatur has already lost far too much of its history. We cannot rebuild any of the old distinctive buildings and neighborhoods or rebuild the intricate web of city streets lost during invasion of massive buildings and parking lots.

But we can individually try to save pieces of what remains.

And though I can understand the hesitation to retain a sign that could be seen as confusing to new Pig patrons, I’d argue that the old sign would more than make up for any momentary confusion by providing this rather ordinary 1920s commercial building with distinctive character that would separate it from every other business on the Square.  “The Iberian Pig. Under the Smith’s Shoe’s Sign on Decatur Square” has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?

Comment below to show your support and perhaps together we can help save this piece of Decatur history.