Charles B. Johnson, a Finnish immigrant, sailed the world on a 4 masted schooner before coming to America and settling in Chicago, IL. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and became a renowned local watercolor artist, popular in Scandinavian neighborhoods. In 1935, Charles began painting signs in Chicago and started a business that remains in operation more than 75 years later, C. Johnson Sign Co.

In 1943, Charles moved his business and his family to Franklin Park. In 1970, his son, John C. Johnson, took over the business, allowing his father to become a snowbird and continue painting in Florida, Texas, and Mexico. Charles would return when the weather warmed up to letter boats in the harbor & boatyards down in Chicago, and when he wasn't busy, he helped John at the shop.

Elmhurst College alumni and Coast Guard Auxiliary National Start Division Chief John Joinson has kept the tradition of designing and installing quality custom business signs. The business has expanded to include custom industrial stencils and residential signage.

Our signs are custom-designed and built for clients' specific requirements. Prices are quoted for each project to ensure optimal cost benefits.

C. Johnson Sign Co. is fully bonded & insured and a member of the Illinois Sign Association, an authorized Daktronics factory service center, and an authorized Whitehall" retailer, including full installation service for mailboxes & address plaques).