YESCO announces it will restore the vintage Rio Grande sign for the Heber Valley Railroad. The sign, originally created by YESCO in the late 1950s, once proudly stood atop the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah, before being replaced approximately five years ago. Now, YESCO is working to refurbish this historic piece, bringing a touch of nostalgia and history to the Heber Valley Railroad. 

The Rio Grande connection to the Heber Valley Railroad is significant, as the branch of track from Provo, Utah, to Heber City, Utah, built in 1899, was originally constructed and operated by the Denver Rio Grande Western Railroad. The Heber Valley Railroad currently operates one of the largest collections of Rio Grande historic standard gauge equipment in the country. As a quasi-state agency, the Heber Valley Railroad is proud to continue preserving the Rio Grande legacy in Utah.  

The restoration project, slated for completion early December, will involve intricate craftsmanship, as YESCO works to restore the sign’s damaged structure and replace outdated neon elements with state-of-the-art LED lights. Once complete, the sign will serve as a symbol of YESCO and the Heber Valley Railroad’s dedication to honoring the legacy of the Rio Grande Railroad and preserving this important piece of local history. The restored sign will be mounted on top of the Heber Valley Railroad’s mechanical shop, located just behind the historic depot, where it will be illuminated on special occasions and stand as a visual tribute to the Rio Grande’s rich history in the region. 

“The Heber Valley Railroad is excited to preserve this piece of Rio Grande history,” said Mark Nelson, executive director, Heber Valley Railroad. “It is a perfect fit to be displayed along with our vintage Rio Grande train rolling stock and locomotives.”

“The YESCO team is working diligently to restore this piece of history to its former glory,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president, YESCO. “We hope the restored sign will serve as a reminder of the enduring impact the Rio Grande Railroad had on the development of this region.”

Pictured here is the original Slim Olson’s gas station in Bountiful, Utah.

Back in the 1950s, this station was recognized as the world’s largest service station, boasting an impressive 43 pumps. Drivers in sleek Ford street rods and Chevy Cabriolets would roll in to fuel up with two grades of Amoco gas: ethyl and regular.

Today, Slim Olson’s legacy continues with the third generation of family ownership. Brothers Doug and Keith Olson now run the station, which has undergone many changes over the decades—including switching to Chevron gas in 1994 and giving the iconic buildings a fresh coat of white and blue paint.

For more than 60 years, Slim Olson Service Stations have been a vital part of the community. Though the number of stations has slimmed down, the Bountiful location remains on the same historic property, fueling the community with the same dedication that started in 1938.

The fall season is upon us—now’s the perfect time to kick those signs back into gear! Whether you need sign repair, retrofitting, or lighting maintenance, YESCO has you covered.

Don’t let your signs and lighting fall behind this season. Reach out to us today for expert service that will keep your business looking bright and inviting all season long.