If you know me, you are probably aware of my obsession with ghost signs, those fading bygone era advertising messages found on urban brick walls. (I read somewhere that the “official” definition stipulates that the sign must be at least 50 years old, but who knows?) I started taking pictures of them a decade or so ago and have since amassed a fairly sizable collection. (Yes, my family indeed collectively shakes its head while continuing to wonder why.)
My hobby has pretty much changed the way I look at a city when I encounter one. For example, while family or friends are marveling at a particular public sculpture or architectural structure, my eyes instantly go on a mission in search of a new (for me, anyway) find. What’s more, I confess that I often pull off interstate highways in search of signs, especially when I come across old industrial towns. (They’re the best!)
Rather than spare you my obsession, I figured I’d share some of my favorites from time to time. So, beginning in the upper right corner…
- I came across the Del Monte sign while walking in the Fisherman’s Wharf section of San Francisco;
- Heywood Shoe (Worcester, MA) ceased operation in 1953;
- My first failed attempt to find the Ben Hur Coffee sign in San Diego occurred during a SoCal surfing trip. (One explanation: I had been given a tip to look for a Maxwell House sign!) Found it the second time. (The palm tree fronds add a nice touch, don’t you think?);
- This San Francisco “Rooms To Let” sign reminded me of Roger Miller’s song “King of the Road.” (Except he was singing about Bangor);
- I found the AB Powers Writing Inks sign in Denver while daughter Mahalia was a student at DU. Denver’s got a lot of signs in and around Larimer Square. The city deserves major props for its obviously concerted effort to preserve them;
- I first saw the Red Rock Cola sign in Hartford a few years ago while attending dearly departed friend Mike Dawes’ memorial service at his beloved Trinity College. I took this shot last month while waiting to go on a TV show at the Fox network studios across the street;
- Took the shot of Roger’s Printing in Lowell, MA earlier this summer while attending the Michael McDonald concert;
- The Brecht Candies (“make Life Sweeter’) is another Denver sign.
- The Uneeda Biscuit sign in the middle of the collage greets visitors to Lewiston, Maine. It’s one of my favorites.
More to come. (Promise… warning… take your pick.)
Onward, Malcolm Gauld