The missing space where a large "Riptide" sign hung until it vanished earlier in June. Photo: Brooke McCarthy/WBZ NewsRadio
MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A local dive is still searching for its iconic sign, weeks after it was unceremoniously taken off the side of the bar. The bar on Pleasant Street has been in Jamie Ciampa's family for 55 years, and the family wants to see the watering-hole made whole.
Ciampa said the big sign went up in the 80's, and was reported missing from the side of the property by a customer earlier in June. The sign has the word "Riptide" carved in wood with red lettering, and a painting of a ship and lighthouse on a sunny day above.
"You've got to be really strong to be able to pull that off the building. You need at least two strong men, a ladder, a van, a pickup truck," Ciampa said.
The bar is giving out a $500 drinks credit for whoever brings the sign back.
"Who wouldn't want a $500 gift card? That's a lot of beer! We're cheap here, you could drink for a few months!" she said.
The bar (affectionately referred to as "The Ripper" by locals) is in the process of being sold to a new owner, Mikael Vienneau. He said he would pay out the reward to whoever finds the sign.
"Just bring the sign back, no questions asked. We'll honor the reward of $500 credit at the Ripper. The sooner they bring it back, the better," Vienneau said.
Vienneau said the sign is already incorporated in a new design for the bar, so he needs it for the redevelopment.
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