WA-SSH1-D (Washington) (Road Sign) T-Shirt: Design Description
This t-shirt features a nostalgic design inspired by a vintage Washington State highway route marker. The artwork centers around the iconic WA-SSH1-D sign, a relic of Washington's pre-1964 highway system.
Visual Elements
The design prominently displays the sign's rectangular shape, with its distinctive dark color palette. The letters "WA," denoting Washington State, are crisply rendered, framing the text "SSH1-D." The letter styling is representative of the historical signage used at the time.
The silhouette of George Washington, a key element of the design, stands out. His profile, a visual symbol that would become integrated into Washington's modern state highway shields, is a powerful historical reference, signifying the state's namesake.
Meaning and Symbolism
The WA-SSH1-D design is steeped in historical significance. The "SSH" denotes "Secondary State Highway," providing a connection to the state's past. The "1" designates a branch off of Primary State Highway 1, creating a system of roads and a specific branch of road. The "D" suffix identifies the unique route.
The inclusion of George Washington's silhouette adds another layer of meaning, representing Washington State itself and anchoring the design in a distinct sense of place and identity. The entire artwork on the design is a testament to the old numbering system, the routes of Washington's roads before they were standardized as routes.
