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Marquette man learns fate of vintage gas station sign collection

Umito October 26, 2024

MARQUETTE, Neb. (KSNB) – A Marquette resident was at odds with the village council after it asked him to remove his collection of vintage gas station signs.

Randy Beckman has been featuring vintage signs at his properties in Marquette for about 10 years.

He explained that the reason for the registrations was to attract more people to the village. Beckman appreciates the signs and knows there are more people like him.

“It brings back good memories for them instead of just stress,” Beckman said.

Beckman owns Scotty’s Bar, the only business in town. He has a sign at the bar and several others on his neighboring property.

“I think without this bar, the town won’t make it,” Beckman said. “I’m not saying that selfishly, I’m saying it’s the only thing we have. The signs help because they kind of attract your car clubs, your sign enthusiasts, so it attracts people and again, they bring people; it feeds on itself.

Conoco Brand Marquette(KSNB)

Beckman thought his posting was legal until earlier this year, when the board discovered clauses making it illegal to post his signs.

In 2019, the council sought new regulations and adopted the same codes as those in nearby Aurora. This code made all posters erected by Beckman after 2019 illegal without obtaining an amendment.

The City Council has held several meetings on the subject, attended by supporters speaking on behalf of Beckman and his signs.

The board had initially decided that signs installed after 2019, except for one, should be removed until Beckman obtained an amendment, which the board would have to approve.

Beckman ended up removing two of the signs, but a board member told him he could leave the rest in place while he submitted a proposed amendment for consideration by the city council.

Vintage Marquette Gas Station Sign(KSNB)

Beckman’s initial amendment was rejected by the council.

After legal challenges and months of concern on Beckman’s part, a friend proposed an amendment to the city council, which they voted for.

The new amendment allows up to four pieces of garden art per lot aged 30 years or older, with a permit costing $50 per piece, or $150 for four pieces.

Beckman said he plans to put up more signs, not out of malice, but to attract more people to the village of Marquette.

“My intentions are, and always have been, to attract people,” Beckman said. “What we have works, but more in this case is better, it’s the one thing we’re working on to try to help our little community.” Marquette’s house.