Iconic Nut Tree Sign Comes Down After More Than Seven Decades Along Freeway
VACAVILLE (CBS13) — It's a well-known roadway sign that has stood the test of time, but on Wednesday, construction crews took the iconic Nut Tree sign along Interstate 80 down for good.
It's been a familiar sight to drivers along Interstate 80 for more than seven decades. But now the sign that stood three panels tall has been torn down.
"They had originally intended to take it down and just jackhammer it and haul it away," said county supervisor John Vasquez. "At least two of the panels are going to be saved."
The family-owned Nut Tree fruit farm blossomed into a tourist attraction for celebrities, presidents, and even the Queen of England. It's also considered the birthplace of California cuisine.
The iconic sign took two years to install.
"People assumed it would be permanent," said Vacaville Museum executive director Shawn Lum. "It turns out nothing is permanent but change."
She says it was more than just a highway sign but a work of art, with pieces of crushed marble, sea glass and black obsidian throughout the design.
But with the Nut Tree now long gone, the city made plans back in 2003 to tear the sign down so a developer could put in more retail space. That day finally came.
Meanwhile, longtime residents showed up to grab their piece of history, and to see the landmark sign one more time.
One of the signs panels will be installed on the property. Community leaders are still figuring out where they will display the second one they saved.
