Crown & Hammer Owner: Sign Is Temporary

COLLINSVILLE – When a large, bright sign went over the front door of the Crown & Hammer Restaurant and Pub in Collinsville several days ago it garnered a lot of attention. 

But the regular sign is simply out for repair and should be done soon, said Jonathan White, an owner and executive chef at the restaurant.

"It was rotting so we took it down to have it restored," White said Friday. "Hopefully it will be done tomorrow." 

The temporary sign was a banner stretched over plywood and framed. It's gained plenty of attention in town and White agrees it doesn't fit in.

"It's the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life," he said. 

The old sign has plenty of sentimental value in town and not just for its looks. Original Crown and Hammer owner John Rainey said it was made by Garth Francis, an artist, handyman and popular Collinsville fixture who died in January of 2009 at age 53.