Harlan Ware (1902-1967) (whose full name was William Harlan Ware) was born in Lakota, North Dakota, and educated in the public schools of Winnetka, Illinois. He was a police reporter for the City News Bureau in Chicago. He wrote novels, plays, and radio scripts. His best-known scripts are for the radio programs “The Bartons,” written from 1939 to 1941, and “One Man’s Family,” written from 1944 to 1959 for Carlton E. Morse. 

He also lived in Carmel for a time and his daughter Ciji grew up here. She remembers this quote from one of her Dad’s books.

“….when Pinkie and I wandered into that blessed charming, quiet, tree-green village of Carmel-by-the-Sea I said to Pinkie – what is the charm of this place? Other towns have water, trees, low brick buildings

– what is it that tourists come to see – and then it dawned on me – no signs
– yes sir – tourists leave their own sign- bespattered towns to travel miles and miles to enjoy the good taste and beauty.”

Portrait of Harlan Ware courtesy of his daughter, Ciji Ware.

About Ciji : Ciji Ware

Signage is closely regulated in Carmel. And if you wonder why, look at these examples of sign-bespattered towns courtesy of Google Earth.

Municipal Codes require that “…business signs create a unique village character, which encourages exploration and discovery,”

such as this sign at the entrance to a Courtyard.

Did you know that Carmel’s code allows only four types of signs in the business community? —

Monument

hanging, 

The Serena Court sign was presented several times

wall,

and interior.

Signs are kept at a minimum to avoid visual clutter and must be approved in advance by the Planning Commission.

Hmm…

They must be simple in graphic or pictorial design 

and made of natural materials. 

Only one sign per business is allowed, unless it has more than one entrance. 

Neon signs are not allowed.

Balloons, streamers, moving displays and other attention-getting devices are discouraged.

When I sit in City Hall researching, I hear shopkeepers ask about signs constantly. The owners of the Edgemere Cottages

finally get it right.

And when we ask about a sign for our cottage, we are giving acceptable materials and size. 

I am grateful that Municipal Codes attend  to these small details and keep the “human scale” of Carmel.

I find this 

so much more inviting than this

google earth

I am more likely to go into these antiques stores

Than this one

google earth

I prefer the look of this invitation to Mexican food

To this one

google earth

Shopping for toys look like more fun here

Than here

google earth

The scale of these shops and their signs feel more personal and friendly.

And this smaller, more human-sized scale, is one of Carmel’s most charming aspects. Right Harlan?