Montana's Forgotten Gems: The Electric Legacy of Vintage Neon Signs Finds New Life

Montana's neon-lit past glows brighter than ever at one extraordinary private venue where forgotten advertising treasures have found a stunning second act.

Steve Henry has quietly assembled what experts call one of the biggest private collections of vintage Montana neon in the state at his Henry's Garage event space in Billings.

The venue, tucked away on Garden Avenue, doubles as both a celebration destination and an unexpected museum where dozens of authentic Montana neon signs from the 1930s through 1960s cast their colorful glow across restored banquet halls.

"Neon bending is a dying art," explains one Montana sign specialist, pointing to rising costs and shrinking craftsman numbers that threaten these electric artifacts.

The Electric Products Corporation, founded in Great Falls in 1928, was Montana's first neon manufacturer and blazed trails across Big Sky Country with glowing advertisements.

Today, vintage neon restoration carries hefty price tags, creating a love-hate relationship for business owners who cherish their historic signs but struggle with maintenance costs.

Henry's collection represents more than nostalgia — it's cultural preservation in action.

The venue recently hosted the Burn the Point classic car show, where nearly 300 vintage automobiles shared space with Henry's neon collection for just five dollars admission.

Two large banquet rooms showcase historic local neon signs alongside the owner's classic car collection, creating an immersive Montana experience.

The timing couldn't be more critical for neon preservation efforts.

Montana's vintage neon signs face extinction 110 years after their Paris debut, with fewer skilled craftsmen available to maintain these glowing pieces of history.

From Butte's Pekin Chop Suey — the longest-continuously-run Chinese restaurant in America with its iconic mystery-age sign — to Livingston's Park Street collection advertising the Murray Hotel, Mint Bar, and Owl Lounge, these electric beacons once guided travelers through Montana's frontier towns.

Guests at Henry's Garage are immediately captivated by the nostalgic ambiance created by classic cars, neon signs, and vintage décor, supported by professional facilities and top-notch service.

The venue proves that Montana vintage neon signs aren't just advertising relics — they're storytelling devices that illuminate our state's vibrant commercial past while creating magical experiences for modern celebrations.