Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Neon Plant

Industry & Innovation • Lima, OH

— Lima's Local History Hunt —

Neon Plant Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

1. Neon Plant Marker

Inscription. Sam Kamin and James Howestine launched Neon Products, Incorporated in 1930, beginning with window signs and clocks. Over the years, the company grew steadily, and in 1949, it shifted to neon and fluorescent-lit plastic signs, keeping pace with changing technology. Alongside The Artkraft Sign Company, Neon Products helped make Allen County the nation's hub for neon and plastic signage during the first half of the 20th century. The local plant eventually closed in 1977, marking the end of an era for one of Ohio's brightest industries.

Erected 2026 by America 250-Ohio Commission. (Marker Number 6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the America 250: Ohio Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 40° 44.44′ N, 84° 6.815′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. It can be reached from the intersection of West Market Street and North Metcalf Street, on the right when traveling west. Inside the Allen County Historical Society and Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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620 W Market St, Lima OH 45801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hall Of Valor (a few steps from this marker); Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co. (a few steps from this marker); Shay Engine 10 (a few steps from this marker); Lima Cord And Sole Company (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Log House (within shouting distance of this marker); The MacDonnell House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Macdonell House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

2. Neon Plant Marker

America 250-Ohio Commission image. Click for full size.

Photographed by America 250-Ohio Commission

3. America 250-Ohio Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.