Asthma Vapineze?

February 7, 2008 3:45 PM

What is the meaning of the Asthma Vapineze sign on Fairfax in Los Angeles?

Been wondering about this sign, also seen here, for years. Googling only confirms what a mystery it is.

Anyone??

posted by chez shoes to society & culture (1 comment total)

That sign looks really old, like it dates from the 20's or 30's. I would guess there was something like a spa there once, where back before there were any real treatments for asthma, people who suffered from it could come and breath steam, likely with a mysterious secret blend of herbs and spices mixed in. That kind of quack treatment facility for otherwise-untreatable conditions was very common.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 5:05 PM on February 7