Rotoshere Lakeland Postcard

The Rotosphere, a type of neon-lit rotating sign that became iconic for car dealerships in the mid-20th century, remains a rare sight today. Several of these signs are still operational, though their numbers have dwindled over the years. Notably, an operating Rotosphere can be found at Jenkins Lincoln-Mercury in Lakeland, Florida, located at 941 East Main Street. The Rotosphere is a prime example of Art Deco design applied to commercial signage. Art Deco, characterized by sleek geometric forms and modern materials, influenced many aspects of design and architecture in the 1920s and 1930s​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​​ (New England Historical Society)​. This style extended into various commercial applications, including the vibrant and eye-catching signage of car dealerships, which sought to attract customers with bold and innovative designs.