Since the early 1900’s, neon lights have colored the night on storefronts around the world. The enchanting light neon casts is a reliable attention grabber sure to draw in nighttime customers. At least that’s what Georges Clause would say. The french engineer and chemist (1870-1960) earned a reputation for neon lights much as Edison had for the light bulb. He was inspired by the science of his day to manufacture sealed glass tubes pumped with noble gases that he fixed at each end with an electrical charge. His result was a bright and charming product that could emit brilliant color for a long time.
And over a hundred years later we still use neon lights to brighten the night and attract new and old customers. Saint Petersburg is proof of that! A drive down Fourth Street at night is like watching an electric parade, between the iconic street lamps, lit entrances and the neon signs. Just as Georges Claude intended, I was drawn to the beautiful color and intensity of our city’s neon lights. I photographed just a handful of the ones still keeping the night glowing on Fourth Street and around downtown. See any I missed? Post your photos to Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #greenbenchmonthly.
