Merita Bread sign, c. 1961
Metal, glass, neon Designer: Robert Joseph Galler, American, 1930–2014
Maker: Wallace Neon Manufacturing, Inc. Orlando, Florida, 1938–67 Gift of Maudlin International Trucks 18 x 48 x 1/2 ft (2015-034:01)
Maker: Wallace Neon Manufacturing, Inc. Orlando, Florida, 1938–67 Gift of Maudlin International Trucks 18 x 48 x 1/2 ft (2015-034:01)
At nearly 18 feet high and 48 feet long, the Merita sign is one of the largest in the Morse’s collection. The Merita bakery opened in May 1961 along Interstate 4 near Division Avenue. After operating there for more than 50 years, the bakery closed following the bankruptcy of its parent company, Hostess, in 2012. When the property was purchased by a commercial truck company, the new owners wanted to ensure that the beloved neon sign would be preserved. In November 2014, the Morse Museum acquired the sign and restored it to working condition.