Yup, we’re talking about one of Alabama’s most eyebrow-raising landmarks…
The “Go To Church Or The Devil Will Get You” sign!
Perched along I-65, this cheeky roadside wonder never fails to grab attention and spark reactions.
It might make you chuckle or do a double-take…
Either way, the sign’s bold message and devilish design are unforgettable.
So, sit tight as we dive into the quirky history behind this iconic warning.
You’ll discover why it’s been turning heads and stirring conversations among motorists for decades.
A Short History of The Sign
Back in 1988, the imaginative W.S. “Billy” Newell decided Alabama’s highways needed a bit more character.
Enter the “Go To Church or The Devil Will Get You” sign!
This wasn’t just any old sign…
The “star of the show” is a striking red devil silhouette.
This design was actually lifted from a flashy neon sign for the Tan-Kar gas station located between Montgomery and Prattville.
Old Billy, always one for a good laugh, saw that devil and thought…
“Why not give folks a lighthearted nudge about church attendance?”
And just like that, a legendary piece of Alabama roadside humor came to be.
A Deeper Dive
Never heard of the Tan-Kar Oil Company?
Let’s roll back the clock to the roaring 20s.
This was when Mose W. Stuart, a real go-getter from Montgomery, decided that selling cars just wasn’t cutting it.
He needed to fuel them, too!
That’s when he launched the Tan-Kar Oil Company and peppered the landscape with the snazzily named Red Devil gas stations.
But Mose didn’t stop there…
He created Red Devil Lake, an accompanying recreational park.
It was the ultimate hangout, where folks could swim, picnic, and escape the Alabama heat.
This little oasis was a hit until 1939, when a flood forced everyone to say bye-bye to the fun.
It washes away the lake and park, but it did leave one thing behind…
One very resilient devil sign!
Cultural and Social Impact
This quirky sign has woven itself into the fabric of Southern culture.
It’s a playful reminder of the region’s deep-rooted church-going spirit…
Mixed with a love for bold statements and good old-fashioned ribbing!
And, sure, it has tickled the funny bones of many…
But it has also stirred up its share of controversy.
Some raise an eyebrow at its bluntness. Some think it’s a bit vulgar.
But love it or hate it, it’s hard to deny that this devilish warning has become a talking point for road-trippers.
It keeps the conversation about faith, humor, and local identity alive and kicking in the Heart of Dixie.
Maintenance and Legacy
Keeping the devilish charm alive on I-65 has been a family affair!
The original sign took a few hits from storms and vandals.
Yes, apparently, these folks didn’t get the memo about the devil watching…
So, W.S. Newell’s sons stepped up to keep their dad’s legacy going.
They patched it up, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and made sure it kept turning heads.
The community around this iconic sign has shown some serious love, too!
Whenever it faced damage or needed a redesign, support poured in with calls and letters.
It’s been knocked down, but thanks to local enthusiasm and the Newell family’s dedication, it’s never out.
Today, it continues to serve up a cheeky slice of Southern life.
Related Reading: Alabama Historical Sites – Click Here To Learn More!
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it wild how a cheeky sign became a piece of Alabama folklore?
But, really, it’s more than just a sign;
It’s a conversation starter, a selfie backdrop, and a quirky emblem of local culture.
Got your own tales or takes on this devilish directive?
We’d love to hear ‘em!
Share your stories with us, and let’s keep the legend of this playful piece of lore alive.
Who knows?
Your story might just become part of the sign’s ever-growing mythos!
