WV-13 1922 (Virginia) Hoodie - Design Description
This hoodie design showcases the historical contrast between road sign designs in West Virginia and Virginia during the pivotal year of 1922. It celebrates a bygone era of early highway systems before the advent of the U.S. Highway network.
Artwork: The Signs of the Times
The design features two distinct road sign representations, side-by-side, directly contrasting the approaches of two states in 1922: West Virginia and Virginia. The left side showcases the stark simplicity of the West Virginia State Road 13 sign, a square or rectangular panel with a white background, black border, and the iconic "W.VA 13 STATE ROAD" text. This symbolizes the practical, no-frills approach of early West Virginia highway signage.
The right side juxtaposes the West Virginia sign with the Virginia State Route 13 sign, which, in 1922, presented itself as a circular white sign with a black border, featuring "VIRGINIA 13." This round form indicates an early standardization in Virginia's route marking, and the style is a precursor to the signage that Virginia uses today.
Meaning and Symbolism
The design’s primary meaning lies in representing historical context. These two signs symbolize the evolution of American road travel and state-specific approaches to transportation infrastructure. The contrasting shapes and text convey distinct approaches to highway identity, highlighting the unique character of each state's system. They represent a snapshot in time before national standardization, showcasing the individuality of West Virginia and Virginia's early highway systems.
The design is a nostalgic tribute to a pivotal time in the history of American roadways, recalling the days before the ubiquitous U.S. highway shield and offering a glimpse into a time when state pride was prominently displayed on the roads themselves.
