Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Ooievaar was a popular children’s store in Kortrijk (1936-2000), known for its neon stork sign. The city restored the sign to light up for every baby born at AZ Groninge Hospital. Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe supported this idea, and Christiane Lacombe, daughter of the store’s founder, felt proud that her father’s legacy was honoured.
Many Years later, the city of Kortrijk chose to bring back the famous neon stork sign. They decided to give it a new meaning. After work to restore it, the sign now lights up every time a baby is born at AZ Groeninge Hospital.
Authorities mentioned that this project not only brings the stork back but also connects it to moments of joy. By doing this, the city keeps the stork’s meaning alive. They mentioned that when the stork shines, it brings hope and happiness. It links the past and the present while celebrating the city’s future.
What does the restoration of Kortrijk’s neon stork sign mean?
According to Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe, the city wanted a creative way to celebrate the births of children. Lighting up the stork for every new baby does this very well. It connects the city’s history with its future. He mentioned that by bringing back the stork, which was once a symbol of the loved children’s store De Ooievaar, the city honours its past.
“We have been looking for a creative way to visualize births for a long time,
Says Mayor Ruth Vandenberghe (TBSK).
“By lighting up the stork for every birth, we bring the history and the future of Kortrijk back together.”
Mayor Ruth mentioned that the stork lights up for every baby born at AZ Groeninge Hospital, no matter where the family is from. This makes it a happy symbol for all families who visit the hospital, not just those living in Kortrijk.
He highlights that for families with star children, those who are stillborn or pass away soon after birth, the city shows care. Parents can decide if they want the stork to light up in memory of their child. He mentioned that this kind choice makes sure the stork stands for both new life and support for families during joyful and hard times.
The neon stork sign in Kortrijk was restored and unveiled. This event was not just about the sign, it celebrated the city’s history. It was also a special moment for the family of Félicien Lacombe, who owned De Ooievaar.
Félicien created the well-known stork logo for the store. His daughter, Christiane, who is now 90 years old, came to see the sign. She felt very proud and called the restoration “fantastic.” Christiane remembered going with her father to the company that made the neon sign on Brugsebaan in the 1950s.
Christiane felt very emotional when she saw the stork sign back near the Sint-Maartenskerk. She said it would have made her father proud to see his work restored. The stork now stands for celebrating life. She mentioned that this helps keep Félicien Lacombe’s memory alive in Kortrijk.
“This is fantastic,”
Says daughter Christiane (90).
“I went with my father to the company that made the neon sign, which was along the Brugsebaan.”
De Ooievaar was a children’s clothing store in Kortrijk. It was located on a corner near the famous Sint-Maartenskerk. The store first opened its doors in 1936 and quickly became a favourite among families. It was known for its service and a wide range of clothing for kids.
In the 1950s, a bright neon stork sign was displayed outside the store. This stork became a symbol of new life and joy. It lit up the streets and was a familiar sight for many people in the area. After 64 years of business, De Ooievaar closed in 2000. This closure left a big gap in the community.
