WIS 117 (Wisconsin) Road Sign T-Shirt - Design
This t-shirt showcases the evolution of road sign design for Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 117, a short connector route in Shawano County. The artwork celebrates the history of this local highway.
Classic Circle Design (1919-1926)
The design begins with the earliest iteration: a bold black circle, centered on a white square background. Inside the circle, the number "117" is prominently displayed in a heavy, black font, representing the highway's designation. This design evokes a sense of early automotive travel and the foundational period of Wisconsin's state highway system.
Square Style Design (1926-1940s)
The artwork then transitions to the subsequent design: a white square framed by a thick black outline. Above the number, the word "WISCONSIN" is printed horizontally in black, declaring the state's ownership of the road. Below the word, the highway number "117" is centered in bold black font. This design represents a time of increasing standardized road signage and a more established highway network.
Modern Shield Design (Post-1948 - Present)
Finally, the shirt presents the current, enduring design: a clean, white square with a thin black border. At the top, "WISCONSIN" is printed in a smaller, simplified font, emphasizing the state. The large, bold number "117" is prominently displayed beneath, instantly identifying the route. This design embodies the functionality and clarity of modern road signage.
The t-shirt design, therefore, is a visual timeline, chronicling the aesthetic shifts in the signage of WIS 117 and offering a nostalgic look at the evolution of highway branding in Wisconsin.
