The Tamaqua Historical Society is restoring three vintage electrified signs that were once icons of two longtime businesses in downtown Tamaqua.

Following their restoration and rewiring, the signs will be hung in the Tamaqua Museum and Annex on West Broad Street where they will be illuminated when the museum is open.

According to society President Dale Freundenberger, two of the signs once hung at the former Wenzel’s Bakery on the 100 block of East Broad Street.

One is a double-sided, metal box sign with internal lighting and an illuminated panel on each side that reads “Wenzel’s Bakery.”

The second sign is a 6-foot neon sign which hung in the front oval window at Wenzel’s and spelled out the business name.

“It probably dates to the 1950s or ’60s,” Freudenberger said. “Wenzel’s Bakery was an institution in Tamaqua for decades and known for their amazing donuts, cakes, pies and cookies. It was run by the Wenzel family.”

Wenzel’s closed in November 2006 after being in business for 73 years.

The third sign is a double-sided, metal box sign with neon lettering on both sides that spells out “Moose.” Likely from the 1920s or ’30s, it was once mounted on the front of the building where the Tamaqua Loyal Order of Moose lodge was located at 133 E. Broad St.

“The sign hung on the Moose Building for 50 or 60 years,” Freudenberger said.

The building is being renovated for Tamaqua’s new police station, district magistrate office and community center.

The historical society sent the trio of signs to Bartush Signs in Orwigsburg for electrical restoration and refurbishing.

When the work is finished, the signs will be returned to the museum and annex where they will be hung and electrified by contractor B.J. Berk, Freudenberger said.

“The society hopes to have the project completed by spring time,” he said.

Contributions toward the restoration and hanging of the signs in the museum are appreciated. Tax deductible donations can be sent to the Tamaqua Historical Society, 118 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252.