Colorado 173 (1926) Road Sign Hoodie - Design
Embrace the spirit of early Colorado roadways with the Colorado 173 (1926) Road Sign Hoodie design. This artwork pays homage to the very first numbered state highway signs that graced the Colorado landscape in the mid-1920s, a period when the state was forging its identity alongside the burgeoning U.S. Highway System.
Design Elements and Symbolism
The design faithfully replicates the iconic look of the original signs. A bold black background immediately grounds the design, mirroring the utilitarian nature of the era. Superimposed on this canvas is a crisp white representation of the state of Colorado, a straightforward rectangular outline symbolizing the state's shape and highlighting the route's location within the Centennial State.
Centered within the state's outline, the number "173" appears in bold, block-style, white lettering. This prominent display is a direct replication of the signs used to mark State Highway 173 in La Plata County, southwestern Colorado. Above, in smaller, uppercase white lettering, the word "COLORADO" proudly proclaims the state's name, cementing its presence.
A Touch of History
The design is a direct visual link to a bygone era of transportation, representing a time of innovation and growth in Colorado's infrastructure. The simplicity of the design, with its hand-stenciled look, reflects the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Colorado State Highway Department, which often relied on county-made signs during this time. The absence of reflective features, a hallmark of the period, is faithfully captured in this design.
Wearing this design is more than a statement of style; it's a connection to a tangible piece of Colorado history, an appreciation of a design that predates modern highway standards, and a nod to a simpler time on the open road.
