Late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, a historic Goodyear sign was removed from Ira’s Tire Shop, a family‑owned business that has served downtown Oklahoma City since the mid‑1950s. The sign, a well‑known landmark off Oklahoma City Boulevard, holds sentimental value for owner and manager Justin Smith, whose family has operated the shop for generations.

Owner discovers theft and calls for help

Smith arrived at the shop Thursday morning, noticed the lettering missing, and posted about the loss on Facebook. He believes the thieves used a ladder or stood on a truck to pry the sign off the building.

“They had a ladder or stood on a truck, and they just popped them off,” Smith said.

Value and history of the sign

The sign is a vintage porcelain piece, a style that can fetch between $5,000 and $15,000. However, Smith emphasized that its worth goes beyond money.

“It’s been family‑owned since 1937. We’ve been on this corner since the mid‑’50s. My grandpa Ira and his brother built this in the mid‑’50s,” he explained. “When I was a young kid, my grandpa would have me come in and sweep the floors.”

Community response and next steps

Smith expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from longtime customers who recall the sign’s presence for decades. He has removed another sign from the shop as a precaution and urges anyone with information to contact the shop or local police.

“We just want to get it found,” Smith said.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.