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HISTORY

In 1931 when Harry F. Belsinger, Sr. incorporated his sign business, the worst economic depression in the history of this country had struck two years earlier. Most people worried about where their next meal was coming from and very few would have considered starting a business. But Belsinger was no ordinary man. With twelve years experience as an itinerant sign painter, he possessed the foresight and innovation that characterize the company, which bears his name today.

We have come a long way from a solitary sign painter who carried his supplies in a satchel and rode the streetcars to and from each job. Through the years, BELSINGER SIGN WORKS has been a pioneer in the industry. In the Baltimore area, we were the first to install a double faced internally lit Plexiglas sign, the first to own a sign crane truck, and the first to purchase a computerized pattern cutting machine. Although the primary market has been the Middle Atlantic Seaboard, our marketing expertise, refined technology and expanded product lines have enabled us to serve throughout the country.

Belsinger Sign Works, Inc. has won a number of awards throughout the years including 1^st place for "The Silver Diner". The award, however that trumps all others is Harry F. Belsinger's eldest son, Flair Belsinger's "Distinguished Flying Cross." And this , as they say "is the rest of the story."

Flair Belsinger was an air commander in WWII with the 384^th Bomb Group, stationed in Grafton Underwood, England. Captain Harry F. Belsinger, Jr. also ferried solders being discharged from the Army from Marseille to Casablanca.

After the war, Flair formed a company called "Flying Ads," featuring a plane towing advertising banners. "Flying Ads" also fabricated 4'-0" high neon lettering mounted beneath the wings reading "Belsinger". The word "Signs" was superimposed over the Belsinger letters.

It was an auspicious beginning, for "Flying Ads." Jack McDermitt, the pilot, was flying the newly purchased Steerman plane back from Navy Surplus, when he heard a knocking sound in the engine. Flair, working in the office on Bayard Street, heard someone tapping at the door. It was Jack, asking for a wrench. He had landed at Carroll Park! Jack, wrench in hand went back to the plane, tightened whatever was loose, and flew off to the company's base in Howard County.

A venture capitalist long before "entrepreneur" was on the cover of every magazine, Flair, fundamentally, was a brilliant problem solver.

Soon after, Flair and another partner, Lou Woodward formed "Woodward Manufacturing." Holding several patents, in three countries, this endeavor sold a series of electrical products, dimmer switches, and photo-electric controls.

Prior to the late 60's attraction to black light, "Sign-tific," another company product, featured a cleverly designed black light display.

About his ventures? "None were successful" Flair said wryly. Except, of course, Belsinger Sign Works, Inc.

Belsinger Sign Works, Inc. management presently consists of the third generation of the Belsinger family. Wayne Belsinger has been the president since the early-nineties. He has inherited the problem solving genius of his predecessors. Belsinger Sign Works, Inc. has been located at 1300 Bayard Street, Baltimore from 1957 to the present.

We are long-term members of the following organizations:

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The use of logos and trademarks within this website are for illustrative purposes only,
and not to be construed as endorsements of, or any affiliation with Belsinger Sign Works, Inc.

Belsinger Sign Works, Inc.
1300 Bayard Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Phone: 410.837.2700
Fax: 410.837.6550

webmaster: dialogue@comcast.net