The statement of yesteryear that "sight is much the noblest of the senses," is still a paramount truth of today. And for the message to capture the sight is to pass the first milestone on its journey to the heart. Of course a gaudy display captures the eye, but it does not capture the heart for this message before which even angels stand in reverence. So the challenge is presented to the evangelist of attracting the eye of the public by display advertising which is dignified yet forceful and captivating. With the list of permissible approaches could well be placed the sidewalk poster billboard.
This board may be sturdily and effectively constructed for a nominal sum. The uprights, legs, and two crosspieces may be made of 2" x 4" material, the roof and door frames of 3/4" stock, and the partition of 1/4" three plywood. Double-strength glass gives a maximum strength, yet it is not too heavy to cause the door to lose shape.
The overall size of the billboard is a figure to be decided upon by the specific desire of the evangelist. However, approximate measurements for a general-use board could well be : height, 5 feet; width, 3 1/2 feet; length of legs, 4 feet.
The construction of this effective display is quite simple. The partition may be held in place by tacking to strips placed on one side only, allowing for wiring on the other side. White or silver paint on the partition would guarantee maximum reflection. Angle irons used on the uprights make a strong joint, while metal gliders or casters keep the legs elevated slightly from the sidewalk moistitre. If a lock is placed on each door the posters will not be purloined by neighborhood pranksters. Old Man Winter, as well as Dame Spring, may be kept on the outside by first puttying the doors and then coating the poster board freely with a good - outdoor paint. Most evangelists do not have the necessary tools to rabbet the doorframes for setting in the glass; so, for a small fee almost any mill will solve the problem.
When the shades of night tend to hide the posters, one may make the board doubly useful by artificial illumination. Two long tubular bulbs may be placed so that they will light both sides of the billboard. These bulbs may be concealed from view, yet dutifully serve their intended purpose.
If permission is granted by the local officials, it is well to have a "No Parking" space directly in front of the billboard. If this ruling is obtained, the board may be placed so it will face the hall or church on one side and the street on the other. Some, however, may prefer to let the billboard remain at right angles with the hall, which will guarantee observation by pedestrians.
The posters may be done in many ways. Perhaps chalk or showcard posters are as easy to make and as effective in display as any type. If chalk is used, the wise artist will remember to spray the posters with diluted shellac from a fly spray to prevent rubbing and to preserve for future use.
One- or two-word titles will stop more passing feet than will lengthy ones. Good balance in poster making brings good results in eye appeal. Be it novice or professional who lays out the poster, he always has great possibilities in collecting suggestions for a design from the title. Bold pictures, symbols, letter styles, and layout designs are suggested by each title. Who does not think synonymously of Jonah and a whale, Sodom and a pillar of salt, Armageddon and implements of war, the dead and tombstones, sin and a serpent, Spiritualism and a ghost? Remember, simplicity is the secret of effectiveness.
In most cities there is no statute prohibiting a stand of this kind from being placed on the sidewalk next to the curb. Eye appeal is soul appeal in one of its first stages. So, construct for a minimum of expense, but with a maximum of returns an illuminated sidewalk poster billboard.
