Mayflower Poultry, Home of the Iconic ‘Live Poultry Fresh Killed’ Sign, Will Close Its Cambridge Storefront | Eater Boston

"For more than 75 years this poultry and meat wholesaler has been anchored by an iconic yellow-chicken sign that proclaims "Live Poultry — Fresh Killed" in bold black letters; although live birds haven't been processed onsite for many years, the trademarked (since 2005) signage has become a beloved — and sometimes divisive — local landmark. The longtime property at 621 Cambridge St. has been sold and the sign and its design will be auctioned on August 26, with the owner planning to donate 10% of the proceeds to food-rescue nonprofit Food For Free and the auctioneer committing 20% of the buyer premium to the same group. The proprietor reportedly tried to purchase the building himself as prices climbed toward $5 million, and the business — now primarily wholesale — will continue operations by subletting space inside the Boston Meat Market off Route 93. The 1862 structure, listed on the National Register as the former Union Railway Car Barn, faces proposed facade renovations that require Cambridge Historical Commission approval (to be discussed at a public meeting on August 5), and branded merchandise (shirts, hats, aprons) is currently available online for those who want to keep the emblem in circulation." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal