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The Little Billboard That Could

Billboard at 1127 N. State in ChicagoThis is the story of a little billboard in the humble Midwestern town of Chicago. It all started back in 1961 when Bernard Heerey purchased a building in the Gold Coast. Four-stories tall and overlooking the bright and energetic intersection of State and Rush, it saw many many people go by. When the neighboring buildings were torn down, Mr. Heerey saw a chance. This new expanse of bare brick wall was perfectly suited for advertising. Mr. Heerey rented out this space and then helped the billboard shine. He added more lights and expanded its size.

The only problem with this plan…