The 'Peanuts' tour of America: Exploring historic Snoopy signs and sidewalk doghouses as we celebrate Charles M. Schulz's 100th birthday!
From official museums to forgotten and long-hidden signs (and even a bridge), the nation is teeming with tributes to Charlie Brown and the gang.
Starting in September, when I officially allow myself to switch to “Autumn Man/Halloween Mode,” it becomes Vince Guaraldi time on my stereo.
The holidays march right along, from Halloween, to Thanksgiving and then Christmas, and there’s a “Peanuts” soundtrack to make each season sparkle. On the TV, you can be sure the holiday specials get a fair amount of play at Retrologist headquarters.
This year, we have an extra reason to celebrate: Today, Nov. 26, would have been “Peanuts” creator’s Charles M. Schulz’s 100th birthday.
Look back on Charles M. Schulz’s life in his obituary from Feb. 12, 2000, which I published from the ABC7 archive.
To honor Sparky’s memory, cartoonists saluted him in strips published on Saturday, and while I can’t draw for my life, I’ll chip in to the merriment by sharing several places — some quirky and obscure but each special — where you can celebrate Schulz’s wonderful legacy
1.) Snoopy’s Doghouse, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
This is so cute. It’s Snoopy’s Doghouse, located in Downtown Pittsburgh! When I visited back in October, someone had walked away with Snoopy himself — again — but the house was still there, complete with the logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The house was constructed by a local carpenter as a tribute to Schulz after his death in February 2000, but it seems certain people can’t be contented with taking a picture and have to take Snoopy (and Charlie Brown) with them.
Side note: This is right outside a former Bell of Pennsylvania office tower. Be sure to check out all the Bell System artifacts that are still on the facade, including a very cool globe. [Map: Snoopy’s Doghouse]
2.) Snoopy and Woodstock bakery sign, Cleveland, Ohio
This sign is at the site of a former bakery thrift store in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland.
The characters created by Charles M. Schulz once promoted baked goods affiliated with Interstate Brands; see commercials from that affiliation below. The bakery thrift shop here is long gone — this building now holds a day-care center — but Snoopy and Woodstock were left behind, which is something of a gift for the kids. [Map: Snoopy and Woodstock sign]
3.) Peanut gang’s patriotic march, New Cumberland, West Virginia
Schulz’s creations turn up everywhere, licensed or not, and this spring, while driving through New Cumberland, West Virginia, I was delighted to see this happy little scene on a storefront.
When the Google Street View car last passed by in September, however, the sign was already gone. It’s a reminder to shoot it if you like it, because it’ll be gone before you know it!
4.) Charles M. Schulz Museum/Warm Puppy Cafe/Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Santa Rosa California
If you’re even a casual fan of Peanuts, you owe it to yourself to visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, Schulz’s home for much of his life. The museum has extraordinary exhibits, including a re-creation of Schulz’s office, where he brought his characters to life.
Across the street is the charming Warm Puppy Cafe, with a table always set aside for Schulz, a special honor in the spot where he liked to have breakfast. The cafe is inside the skating rink built by Schulz and his first wife, Joyce, a sort of gift to the town and a place for Schulz himself to skate. You can take the boy out of St. Paul …
A separate building holds a gift shop — it’s heaven for a Peanuts fan — and additional exhibits, including an intriguing piece of carpeted wall art along a ramp that takes you to the second floor. The ice-rink pucks they sell there make a neat souvenir and perfect paperweight. [Map][Museum website][Redwood Empire Ice Arena] [Warm Puppy Cafe]
5.) Snoopy Ice Cream & Cookies, Berkeley, California
On a visit to Berkeley in February 2020, I was intrigued by this uncovered sign for Snoopy Ice Cream & Cookies, at the corner of University and Shattuck avenues.
This was one of at least two locations of a short-lived chain that featured Snoopy. The chain emerged in 1984 and appears to have been gone by 1987.
Berkleyside’s Nosh did an impressive job uncovering the history of this place, most of which appears lost to time.
According to Nosh:
They (the owners) opened two sites, one in Berkeley and one at Fisherman’s Wharf [in San Francisco],” said Cesar Gallegos, archivist at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa.
“The store in Fisherman’s Wharf opened June 2, 1984,” and there were to be three more branches that would open within the next three months, Gallegos said. The only one he knows of that opened is the one in Berkeley.
The Peninsula Times Tribune reported in 1984 that the Berkeley store was set to open in July 1984, followed by stores in Sunnyvale and Menlo Park.
The Schulz Museum has one of the neon signs from the Snoopy chain, below. That’s as cool as Joe Cool.
6.) Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio
My trip to Ohio last month was centered around visiting the “Celebrating Sparky” exhibit at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State in Columbus, in the same building where students can attend classes at the Jean and Charles Schulz Lecture Hall. (Jean is Charles’ widow.)
Alas, the exhibit has closed but the cartoon center is most definitely worth a visit. [Map]
7.) Sparky’s hometown: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Sparky grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and his hometown does a fine job honoring his legacy. While I did not have a chance to explore when I last visited, this article offers a nice overview of points of interest for those of us in search of Schulziana.
8.) Linus statue, Bemidji, Minnesota
There are so many fun reasons to visit Bemidji, including the famous statues of Paul Bunyan and his ox, Babe. While you’re in town, you might want to visit this statue of Linus, placed outside of a bank. It’s an adorable photo op! [Map: Linus statue]
9.) Peanuts Bridge, Tarzana, California
I’ve never been here, but could not leave out this bucket lister. There is a pedestrian bridge featuring Peanuts characters that connects Wilbur Avenue to Tarzana Elementary School.
According to Roadside America:
The locally famous Snoopy Bridge connects Tarzana Elementary School from the west side to the east side of Wilbur Avenue. The bridge was built in 1971. According to the L.A. Times, "the bridge received its cartoon embellishments when a member of the school's PTA convinced cartoonist Charles Schulz, an acquaintance, to donate drawings of Charlie Brown and his friends." Pictures of the Peanuts characters are on both sides of the bridge. If you like Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts, you'll love this bridge.
How have I never been here? I will correct that on my next trip to LA! [Map]
What Peanuts places would you add to this list?
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This was so sweet. I wouldn't consider myself a peanuts superfan but it's definitely been a big part of my life, like most people, through osmosis. I already want to go to Bemidji, this gives me an extra excuse 🖤