Posted by Roderick Treece on April 21, 2003
I went to go use an old tin of fiberseal the other day and it was empty.I just sat there wondering as I have for so long now that I've got to get used to the fact that Ricks gone.It was so easy too just call him and lola for almost eveything.It's been hard for me as I can imagine it has been for so many.The thing that makes me feel much better now is realizing we all have a wonderfull conection to the past & an Exciting future ahead and I think Rick would love that.
After reading all the letters everyone wrote about how they felt and what they were going throught after Rick died I tried so many times to write my own but I just couldn't seem to ever be able to send them.So now looking at all the great new posting and knowing that I am not alone in missing him I know I still crave information and have a place to share with everyone.
I started "www.ghosttownsigns.com" after my father died to showcase the work of sign artist of the past.I wanted to show Rick the site at the last conclave but he was so busy running around that I didn't get the chance. I never thought I would ever be adding Rick's to that list ( although we'll all be on it some day).I hope everyone enjoyes it and will help me by submiting somthing about Rick So I can do him justice.Any other info and photos about other people would be more than welcomed.
Thank you for the great place to go to and Keep in touch.For me It's little like being able to call Rick and ask him anything.
Thanks again Roderick Treece
Rick Sacks
Roderick Treece - Don Treece / Ghost Town SignsI didn't know of the loss of Don Treese until you mentioned it here. Your dad was a pioneer in establishing trendy theme park stuff at Knott's Berry Farm and was the first I saw doing sandblasting way back before Walter was doing it. I hope you have some of your dad's work on the site you mentioned.
My father pasted away in 1997 at a dougnut shop by his house hanging out with buddys.Fast and painess, what a way to go.
The web site started because I ended up with all this stuff and thought maybe other people(like you guys) would like to see it to.
I had hoped to show it off at the last conclave but with my lack of skill at web production I ended up with only one page. I tried to show Rick but he was running round and I couldn't pin him down.Never put off what should be done.
Anyway I would like everybody to know that the site is about sign artists of the past. Anyone that has photos and information they would like to submit please do.
My photo base is almost finished so for the site to grow I will need submissions. There is a lot of missing info on photos I posted so I am hoping someone will help fill in the missing pieces. Ricks page is lacking so any help there would be appreciated.
The sandblasting issue has always intrigue me. The rumor that he discovered the technique has been past around for years. He would neither admit or deny it, but after hearing you say it I am going with general concensus that he was "the Father of the Sandblasted sign".
At Knott's they didn't blast things as deep as is done now. It was used to replicate a new sign that had been left out in the elements for a century or so. The hole thing was worn down and the paint barely there.
I am also hoping to have a section where we can have all types of signs for sale in a gallery page . My idea is to be able to create the sign I want to do and be able to make a living from selling it. So anybody thats interested in let me know.
Thanks Rick for thinking of him. He is among the many pioneers that will be missed.
Roderick
Rick Sacks
Roderick TreeceThere was a guy in San Rafael doing sandblasted signs in the 50's also. Bruce Sloan. The balsting was only deep enough to make definition by differing textures. Pioneer stories.
There my have been others but, were they doing it while drunk ridin a horse through ghost town at high noon. I made the high noon part up. Rick, I'm sorry I don't remember you but I hope to meet you again some time. It sounds like you might know some history that I'd be interested in.
Roderick
Denver Chapter of the Letterheads