Signs of Duncan!

My town's signage is so wonderful, it's worth a visit. (Someone pleeease visit)

One of the joys of moving from a whopping city like Vancouver to a teeny town is the accidental charm that rises to the surface.

A town’s raggedy distinctiveness is really something to celebrate in our modern culture; a world that’s increasingly flattened by algorithms and sameness, as the fantastic new book Filterworld unspools with frightening detail.

As for Duncan’s charisma, I’m not speaking of the specialty soap shop or our quaint downtown of 3 1/3 blocks. I’m drawn in by the unapologetic and utter weirdness of the place.

Take these two gentleman I see every Saturday at the farmers market. No irony under this guy’s headwear—we just accept him as, well…Top Hat Guy. (Take note of the “Small Town, Big Style” sign they magically happen to be standing under):

And if that banner brings a smile, then I’m delighted to share some signs around Duncan that remind me I live in a one-of-a-kind hiccup off the big highway.

---

The Seven Signs of Duncan

1.

Chinese food iconography from the Deadwood era is still alive in Duncan. Me so…speechless?

There is much to unpack here, so I’ll just let you enjoy the state of cuisine this town has to offer. I do wonder though: does she look this sad because it’s a bad ginger beef day, or because there are oversized, shiv-sharp chopsticks lodged in her skull?

2.

This sign sits in a neighbour’s front yard, and begs so many questions. What did it used to say? What home business was this? And why does their mascot look like he’s about to lure young orphans into a damp basement?

3.

When your rathole movie house has only two screens, a marvellous marquee like this is bound to materialize, delighting families from near and far.

4.

A shrug of a billboard. An ad for whatevs, if I ever saw one.

Come only IF you’re hungry. Our food? It’s fine, I guess. This sign has the indifferent tude of a teenager forced to shop with his mom as the cool kids giggle into their oat fraps from the food court.

5.

This one’s north of Duncan, but worth the mention. If only to note that each haircut comes with a complimentary coffee, a lollypop, and a trauma hotline pamphlet.

6.

You’re wondering…what’s odd about this very handsome signage?

Here’s the rub. They are closed on Sundays. For real. (Thanks to Stephanie Brown for this winner).

7.

I really hope Tom ran just for the shtick. I sure wouId. No clue what his platform is. He could be pro-killer bees—and he’s still got my vote.