Vintage ‘Welcome to Avalon’ Signs Recreated for 2026
Jim Leahy and his Avalon sign in November 1977.
The Five Man Electrical Band, a Canadian rock group, had a Top 10 hit in 1971 with a novelty song called “Signs.” It was written by the band’s frontman while he was driving back to Los Angeles from Canada. He was struck by the number of “signs, signs, everywhere a sign” along his journey.
It was likely the era, not necessarily the location. This was well before the advent of LED boards and electronic messaging. Back then, signs often were carefully hand-lettered and painted by skilled professionals.
Perhaps it’s fitting that the Avalon Historical Society is planning to honor a giant from that era and, in 2026, possibly one of the most prolific sign makers in South Jersey.
The Avalon Historical Society is partnering with the Borough of Avalon and the Avalon Free Library and History Center to celebrate the man who welcomed countless visitors to Seven Mile Beach for decades in both Avalon and Stone Harbor by recreating his vintage “Welcome to Avalon” signs.
Jim Leahy called Seven Mile Beach home for nearly 50 years. His sign business grew from a side gig into a busy enterprise, located in a small storefront at 2115 Ocean Drive in Avalon.
“Jim left an everlasting mark on all of South Jersey,” says Avalon Mayor John McCorristin. “Almost every business on this island had a Leahy sign. I had one in New Dawn Surf Shop back in the day. As a child, Jim’s greatest sign was on the way into Avalon: ‘Welcome to Avalon.’ When one passed that sign, all of your troubles and issues disappeared, and a big smile returned to your face.”
Leahy’s famous “Welcome to Avalon” signs are still among the most cherished memories for thousands of visitors from past decades.
Thanks to the Avalon Historical Society’s Welcome to Avalon program, visitors entering Avalon in 2026 will again be greeted by Leahy’s heartfelt signs. His original 8-by-12-foot signs were replaced in 1987 with the current blue, wood-carved signs after several county mayors suggested that the borough upgrade the town’s gateway with the then-popular carved wooden signs of the early 1980s.
In 2026, visitors to Avalon will be reminded of how residents welcomed guests during one of the town’s most formative, and perhaps quieter, years. The Avalon Historical Society has recreated four versions of the iconic signage from the past. Each has been carefully recreated to a slightly smaller size suitable for current Boulevard postings by Seven Mile Publishing. Each sign will be displayed for three months on Avalon Boulevard.
The first, running from January to March, dates back to around 1964 and is among the earliest versions positively attributed to Leahy. These signs mark Avalon’s participation in the state’s 1964 Tercentenary celebration, which began preparations in 1958 and continued planning through 1963 for the 300th anniversary of the English colonization of New Jersey.
The second sign, on display from April to June, is likely the most familiar to longtime visitors and considered the classic version. Some estimate it was used intermittently for more than 20 years. The third, displayed from July to September, coincides with the country’s 250th anniversary this summer. It is an exact replica of the special Bicentennial version from 1976. The final sign, displayed from October to December, is the last Jim Leahy sign used by Avalon until it was replaced in 1987.
“We’ve come to appreciate how iconic Jim’s images are,” says Bob Penrose, president of the Avalon Historical Society. “Our mission is to preserve and teach Avalon’s history. We are proud to honor and keep alive Jim’s legacy while rekindling fond memories for many longtime visitors.”
Penrose also explains that the Society is creating unique collector’s items to go along with the signage program. As each sign is displayed, visitors are welcome to visit the Avalon History Center on 39th Street to pick up a free, limited-edition collector’s card featuring that sign. Each card will be numbered and available in limited quantities. One card per visitor, while supplies last. Visitors must come in person to get one.
“This is a chance to preserve cherished memories simply by visiting the museum and collecting your own set,” Penrose adds.
Additionally, several versions of the signage are expected to be available on T-shirts starting this summer at various retail spots around Avalon. Profits from sales will go to the Avalon Historical Society and the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.
The project is jointly funded by the Avalon Historical Society, the Borough of Avalon, and the Avalon Free Public Library.
The third verse of “Signs” starts with “And the sign said, ‘Everybody welcome…’” Thanks to Jim Leahy, that message will be clear in 2026.