After five weeks of restoration work, the Golden Star Radio sign is shining over San Francisco’s Chinatown once again.
The transformation is dramatic. Rust and dents have been repaired, the historic colors restored, electrical systems replaced, and the neon repaired or recreated. Remarkably, some of the original neon tubes, more than 80 years old, are still part of the restored sign.
From Weathered Landmark to Glowing Neon
When CHRS began the project, decades of exposure had taken their toll. Much of the paint was gone, the metal was rusted and the neon had not illuminated in years.
Restoring it required specialists in several different crafts.
Jim Rizzo, Adam Taylor and the neon team preserved original tubes wherever possible and recreated those that could no longer be used. Historical sign painter Manny Fabregas restored the sign’s original red, yellow and white color scheme and hand-painted details.
The project also included new transformers, wiring and electrical service.
After weeks of work in Oakland and high above Clay Street, everything was finally back in place.
Golden Star Lights Up Chinatown
On June 2, the restored sign could be seen in daylight in its original colors and, after dark, glowing once again above Chinatown.
For CHRS, the project was about more than saving an old neon sign.
Golden Star Radio represents the pioneering work of Tommy and May Chin Tong, who brought Cantonese-language radio programming to San Francisco’s Chinese American community beginning in 1939.
Their broadcasts ended decades ago, but the sign remains a visible connection to that important chapter of Bay Area broadcasting history.
Now it has been preserved for a new generation.
Thank You to the Restoration Team
This project was possible because of the craftspeople, supporters and donors who believed this piece of broadcasting and Chinatown history was worth saving.
CHRS extends its thanks to project manager Steve Kushman; Jim Rizzo, Adam Taylor and the neon restoration team; historical sign painter Manny Fabregas; the Tong family; and everyone who contributed to the Golden Star Radio restoration campaign.
Special thanks go to the anonymous CHRS donor whose extraordinary $60,000 gift made the restoration possible.
The restoration may be finished, but CHRS’s stewardship of the sign continues. Contributions to the Golden Star Radio fund help support its operation, upkeep and maintenance so it can continue shining over Chinatown for years to come.
Comments (0)