My Grandfather was a professional portrait photographer back in the 30's and 40's and had a studio in Minnesota. This is a photo of him on the side wall of the building the studio was in along with my father and father's cousin taken in about 1932.
Never even saw the grass, but you're right, it has to be a roadside sign.pbromaghin - that's pretty cool - thanks for the Google Maps page. I was in Faribault way (way) back when I was a little kid and don't really remember much about it.