The iconic red and blue Cadillacs at the corner of Northwest 23rd Avenue and Sixth Street were one of Gainesville’s most recognizable roadside landmarks. Where they once stood are now empty outlines on the pavement.
For decades, the 1959 Cadillacs parked outside National Vacuum served Gainesville as a way to give directions, a cool picture spot and a sight out of the ordinary. Their sudden disappearance has generated nostalgia from some locals, while others see it as a good change.
“How are we gonna tell people where to turn, to get to Ward’s or to get down to the car dealership if we can’t say turn by the old Cadillacs?” said Rick Bernal, National Vacuum manager and long-time employee.
National Vacuum was founded by Bob deRochemont. He started in 1959 by selling vacuums door to door out of his Cadillac Convertible. In the mid 1980s after he established a storefront, he found an identical car for sale. Once he drove it home, he realized it was too long for his garage. So he parked it outside of the store for convenience, without realizing how much attention it would generate. After a few years, deRochemont found two coupes and replaced the original sun damaged convertible on the corner. They were there until last week…