Us television news reporters are always looking for a nice visual backdrop to have behind us when we talk in front of the camera.  A lot of times, it's a nice big sign.  I like signs.

That's why I'm excited to be at Lake Shore Industries on Poplar Street in Erie's “Little Italy” neighborhood. This company has been in operation since 1908 and has been making signs for most of that time. If you see a sign in Erie, there's a good chance it was made here at Lake Shore Industries. Shirley Bruno owned the company for 27 years with her late husband Leo. She sold the company after his death but still works here. Shirley is very proud of this place.

"It's just a unique company and a lot of people don't know we're here,” she says.

Shirley likes to show visitors the pictures of signs made by the company. People from Erie easily recognize the signs but probably would never guess that the signs were made here at Lake Shore Industries. The decorative blue and white street signs in Downtown Erie were made here. All 74 of them. All the historical signs in Perry Square were made here. The letters W--I-C-U-T-V, high above the entrance of my workplace, were made decades ago at Lake Shore Industries. So many signs!  However, Shirley does not hesitate to tell you her favorite. It greets people to one of Erie’s universities.

"Gannon. I love the Gannon sign,” she exclaims.

Remember those iconic Boston Store mileage markers that were scattered around Erie? They were made here. The Boston Store is a distant memory but the pattern is still in use as former Erie residents still order the markers for their homes.

"We sent a couple to Florida,” says Shirley.

Yes, there's a lot of signs and historical markers made by Lake Shore Industries that can be found in Erie. But, the company also has a great reputation that attracts customers from across the country and around the world. Employees are currently making an historical marker for a county in New Jersey. They also are making a marker that will be erected in West Orange, New Jersey to honor the late David Cassidy, of The Partridge Family fame.

The company makes its products in an old fashioned foundry. Not much here that's high tech. But, the 11 employees are very proud of the work they do. It’s beautiful work that is seen by many people every day.