Vintage Fountain of Youth St. Augustine Florida Bumper Sign

Here we have a vintage Fountain of Youth bumper sign, a fascinating piece of ephemera from St. Augustine, Florida. This unique piece of automotive history takes us back prior to the 1940s, a time before bumper stickers.

Before bumper stickers became a ubiquitous form of personal expression on our vehicles, bumper signs, like this one, were crafted from printed cardboard with holes in the corners. These signs could be affixed to a car's bumper using wire or string. While they allowed drivers to showcase their affiliations and interests, they weren't known for their weather resistance. Attempts were made to weatherize these signs with varnishes, shellac, or wax, but success was elusive, and not many exist intact today.

The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is steeped in legend, famously associated with the explorer Ponce De Leon's quest for the mystical waters that promise everlasting youth. This remarkable site beckons visitors to sip from its magical springs and explore a wealth of exhibits and historical attractions within the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. While historical evidence doesn't definitively confirm it as Ponce De Leon's 1513 landing site in Florida, the park has earned its place as a captivating piece of history. It features a well believed to be the freshwater source described in historical accounts, and archaeological excavations have unveiled remnants of St. Augustine's first Spanish settlement and its fortifications.

This vintage Fountain of Youth bumper sign not only offers a nostalgic glimpse into the evolution of vehicle adornment but also serves as a unique piece of St. Augustine's history. This piece of auto ephemera would look stunning framed and hung on a wall. Whether displayed as a conversation starter in your home or as part of your automotive memorabilia collection, it's a tangible piece of the past that sparks curiosity and tells a story of the days when cars proudly wore their interests on their "sleeves."