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Most entries on this site have been positioned on the above map so you can accurately find where these signs are/were located.
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A Love Letter For You
A Love Letter For You is a project by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and is sponsored by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative. Painted on the rooftops and walls of Market Street from 63rd to 45th by Overbrook native Stephen Powers and the youth of West Philadelphia.
In 1984 Steve Powers started climbing rooftops in his neighborhood and painting his alias ESPO as a dues paying member of the ICY graffiti club. 25 years later he returned home to Philadelphia in the summer of 2009 to write a love letter across the same rooftops facing the Market-Frankford line. The letter, meant for one, with meaning for all, encompasses 50 walls on a 20 block stretch of market street. Drawing input, inspiration, and work from the community, Powers created a letter to and from west Philly. This unprecedented public art project was a collaboration of Powers, The Mural Arts Program, and the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. It required 1200 cans of spray paint, 800 gallons of bucket paint, and the skilled hands of 20 of the finest spray painters in America, who Powers put into the legendary ICY club.
Read a PDF of an Inquirer article about the project here and a PDF map of all the mural locations here.
UPDATE: A Love Letter For You - Brick Valentines On The Philly Skyline documents the art and the neighborhood that inspired this ambitious public art project.
9.25" x 6.25"
96 pages
Over 100 full color images
Order here
The above example at 5215 Market Street [map]
Vintage Sign Shop
Somewhat related, just got passed this info about Kidimo, a new shop in Paris that sells vintage shop signs.
James and Karla Murray - STORE FRONT
Just came across photographers James and Karla Murray’s portfolio. Much attention has been focused on their recent collaboration in MOM & POPISM (an installation of their photos (almost lifesize) embellished by street artists on the rooftop of Gawker Media, which opened this weekend - photos here). But I am (of course) more intrigued by the straightforward documentary approach of the storefront photos themselves, as well as the snippets of history that accompany each image.These images have been collected and published in "STORE FRONT - The Disappearing Face of New York":
StoreFront scours the city and provides an indispensable guide to the city's timeworn shops. From humble neighborhood stores tucked away on narrow side streets to well-known institutions on historic avenues, anyone with a love of New York City will cherish being given a visual walking tour far beyond the scope of even the most thorough visitor or observant resident.
Via LIKES & LIKES.
Russ Brooks' Winning Italian Market Photo
This image was taken by my friend Russ Brooks as part of the Scott Kelby 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk. It was the winner for the South Philadelphia area. Great shot. Congratulations Russ!
What is a Photo Walk, you ask?
It's a social photography event where photographers get together, usually in a downtown area or trendy section of town, to walk around, shoot photos, and generally have fun with other photographers.
4th and Morris [map]
Philly Suburban Ghosts
Here are a few ghost signs found just outside the Philadelphia city limits:
"WM. C. WILCUTTS HUDSON"
Older signage (in white) peeks through from underneath.. perhaps a "C"?
Photo submitted by Max Buten of the Lower Merion Historical Society - thanks!
Taken in 2001; building was torn down in 2009 to rationalize the intersection.
Ardmore Ave at Lancaster Ave, Ardmore PA [map]
"RUFE BROS."
"Plumbing"
"Steam ... Hot Water Heating"
"Engines, Boilers, Pumps"
Main and Ashland Sts, Doylestown, PA [map]
"ABRAM COX STOVE(?) CO."
"NOVELTY STOVES FURNACES ... BOILERS"
"MAIN OFFICE ... AND DAUPHIN STS. Philadelphia"
Submitted by Jeremey Ricci - thanks!
Cannon Ave and 5th St, Lansdale, PA [map]
Pencoyd Restaurant
"Pencoyd Restaurant"
None of the old paint remains, just the imprint of the letters on the metal backing.
Sent in by Max Buten of the Lower Merion Historical Society. Thanks!
3741 Main Street, Manayunk [map]
ARCHIVE - Home of Ortleib's
"HOME OF - Ortleibs (logo) - illegible - JOE'S BEER"
Sign has since been stucco-ed over.
Taken 18 August 1995. From Xnedski's Flickr NoLibs Archive.
3rd Street between Brown and Poplar [map]
ARCHIVE - TACO (Trans-Atlantic Company)
"TACO" on water tower. "Trans-Atlantic Company Quality Builders Hardware 420-442 Fairmount Ave. WA 5 ??45".
Older signage is visible beneath: "Manufacturing Pharmacists".
Sign has since been painted over.
Taken 18 August 1995. From Xnedski's Flickr NoLibs Archive.
Fairmount between 4th and 5th [map]
ARCHIVE - Herold's Sauerkraut Buildings
Visible just past the lot which has become Liberty Lands Park.
Building has been demolished.
Another related building.
"P. Herold and Sons - Packers of Food Products".
This building has also been demolished.
Taken 18 August 1995. From Xnedski's Flickr NoLibs Archive.
Wildey at 3rd Street [map]
...SY CORNER
"... CANVAS GOODS CO"
Older, barely visible signage appears beneath.
Belgrade and Lehigh [map]
Acme Piano Co.
"...PIANO"
You can see the building with signage intact at the far left corner in this archive photo from 1963.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 9 June 2009. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
2nd and Queen Streets [map]
DPW, Bureau of Street Cleaning Wagon Shop
"DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS"
"WAGON SHOP"
"BUREAU OF STREET CLEANING"
Spied this on the ever-fantastic Necessity for Ruins blog. All credit to NFR for the wonderful photography (click through for bigger/alternate imagery).
25th btwn. Oakford and Manton Streets [map]
Waynesville Coca-Cola
"Coca-Cola"
Older, larger version appears beneath.
NOT Philadelphian... Sent in by Brian, who spied this in Waynesville, North Carolina.
Thanks!
Flagstaff Ice Cream
"The MOORE(?) DRUG CO.
MISSION ICE CREAM
and frozen barz"
NOT Philadelphian... Sent in by Vanessa, who spied this in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Thanks!
ENCORE - GHOST SIGN SHOW
Photographic Selections from
The Philadelphia Ghost Sign Project
at the PRIMER Microstudio
Opening this First Friday, March 6th
6:00 to 10:00 pm
Join us for a special encore exhibition of photographs taken by Lawrence O'Toole in attempt to document these once prominent but now quickly vanishing features of the urban landscape.
If you can't make the opening, the gallery is open during normal business hours, and the exhibition will be on display all month long.
We hope you'll be able to stop by!
PRIMER Microstudio
15 Byberry Road
Hatboro PA
[map]
Ghost Sign Show Photos
Photos of the opening have been posted to the PRIMER Microstudio Flickr page. The show will be up all month. Stop on by!
GHOST SIGN SHOW THIS FRIDAY!
Photographic Selections from
The Philadelphia Ghost Sign Project
at the PRIMER Microstudio
Opening this First Friday, February 6th
6:00 to 10:00 pm
Join us for an exhibition of photographs taken by Lawrence O'Toole in attempt to document these once prominent but now quickly vanishing features of the urban landscape.
If you can't make the opening, the gallery is open during normal business hours, and the exhibition will be on display all month long.
We hope you'll be able to stop by!
PRIMER Microstudio
15 Byberry Road
Hatboro PA
[map]
Ghost SIgn Article in Baltimore STYLE Magazine
Photographer LaShelle Bynum captures the 'ghost signs' of Baltimore's advertising past:
Once she got started, Bynum couldn’t stop hunting for the old signs, which are known as ghost signs because they advertise long-gone businesses and because white is often the only color remaining on a sign (white lead paint deteriorates slower than color paints). Over the period of five years, Bynum amassed a portfolio of more than 125 images. An exhibit of her work— accompanied by her research into the history of the signs— debuted at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in 2007.
Read the entire article, and see some great images, here.
1234 Anywhere Street [map]
7up
Here is the same storefront in 1951. From the angle you can't tell what is on the side of the building, but you can see some sort of signage there.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 6 January 2009. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
50th and Lancaster Streets [map]
CLOTHING
Strange, everything is very faded except "CLOTHING"...
31st and Girard [map]
MONEY - LOANS - GOODS OF VALUE
View at corner.
From left to right: "MONEY LUGGAGE CLOTHING WATCHES DIAMONDS MONEY"
"MONEY"
"STANLEY'S (?) LOANS" and "GOODS OF VALUE"
13th and Snyder Streets [map]
"... BROS"
Hard to read, very faded.
Lancaster between Thompson and Girard[map]
(Vin)cent's Cafe
"This is! (VIN)CENT'S CAFE ... (WE) SPECIALIZE IN ... (TOM)ATO PIE ... ?"
4900 block Lancaster [map]
Premium Blue Ribbon Malt Extract
"Premium Blue Ribbon Malt Extract"
Not quite sure what appears beneath.
Wildey Street at Front Street [map]
JONES
"JONES"
Older signage appears beneath.
Illegible signage on side of building as well.
53rd and Lansdowne Ave [map]
Orinoka Mills
More info on the mill here.
Somerset and Ruth Streets [map]
Livery and Boarding, Stables
"Livery and Boarding" "Stables"
1200 block N 4th Street [map]
Girard Auto Parts
"Girard Auto Parts" etc, a modern sign.
Unknown older signage appears beneath.
Girard and Leithgow St [map]
T.J. Cobourn, Groce(r) and Camac Food Market
"T.J. Cobourn, Groce(r)"
and newer "Camac Food Market" "FREE DELIVERY" "Phone XX 6-1776" "Every body likes ..."
Here is the location when it actually was the Camac Food Market, dated 3/2/1959...
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 25 November 2008. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Spruce and Camac Streets [map]
By all means BUY... MILK
also "SUPPLEE" and "WILLS-JONES", a newer sign at bottom?
Here is the location in the earliest photo I could find, dated 8/1/1955...
... and the sign is not visible. Painted over?
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 25 November 2008. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
5th and Fairmount [map]
Tassels, Springs
Here is the location in a photo dated 3/8/1949...
... and here is the location in a photo dated 6/28/1949. These were probably taken to document the paving over of the cobblestones. In both photos, you can see the building in the upper right corner, and the signage on the very edge of the corner reads "TASSELS" and "SPRINGS".
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 25 November 2008. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
6th and Berks Street [map]
La...
"La..."
Newer signage.
5th and Berks Street [map]
Photo Process Screen Mfg.
Curled Hair - Peter Woll & Sons
"CURLED HAIR"
Peter Woll & Sons Mfg. Co.
More information here.
Berks and Mutter Streets [map]
Unknown - Fairmount and Bodine Streets
Illegible?
Huge, covers whole side of building.
Difficult to photograph.
Fairmount and Bodine Street [map]
Orman Jingle Bell / Commercial Warehousing
"Orman Jingle Bell" at corner,
faded "COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSING" down the side.
Weccacoe Ave and Wolf St [map]
Philly Ghost Signs on Google Maps
View Larger Map
Almost all the posts on this site have been positioned on the above interactive Google Map so you can accurately find where these signs are located.
Center City Ghost Sign Photo makes Schmap Philadelphia Guide
A photo of a ghost sign I took in 2005 (previously posted here) has been selected for inclusion in the newly released fifth edition of the Schmap Philadelphia Guide:
Schmap is a leading publisher of digital travel guides for 200 destinations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The innovative technology behind Schmap Guides also lets end users publish their own ‘schmaps’ (to share trip itineraries, local reviews and more), and powers a popular range of Schmap Widgets, displaying maps with content and event schedules for travel, sports, concert tours and more on a fast-growing network of websites and blogs. Founded in 2004, Schmap is privately owned and based in Carrboro, North Carolina.
Chestnut between 7th and 8th [map]
Excerpt from "Draplin Project"
A snippet from Jess Gibson's "Draplin Project". Somewhat related to signage design, more about the declining state of design in America. Language definitely not safe for work.
Designphiladelphia Feature
Today the Designphiladelphia blog featured a post about the Philly Ghost Signs Project blog. If you've arrived here from the post, welcome! If you haven't, you can read the full write-up here.
Kevin Derrick, who runs the blog, read a little deeper into the content contained here, beyond just the collection of photos of old buildings:
In doing this work, the photo-journal simultaneously questions our past, present and future all under the beguiling premise of peeling paint... Something of a revelation and altogether extraordinary, certainly.
The blog is the ongoing online presence of Designphiladelphia, a series of events that include studio tours, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, book signings and parties in and around Philadelphia design institutions.
If you have any tips or information on signs that you know about, please send me an email via the link at right. Thanks for looking!
Harbison Dairy Milk Bottle Water Tower
Not the best shot, taken with my phone. Will have to come back to reshoot.
Some history:
Harbisons Dairies built the water tower around 1914. There were two other bottles at the intersections of Kensington and Erie avenues and another at York Road and Ontario Street in Kensington. it was a water tank for the sprinkler systems.
Over time, the milk bottles became trademarks for the company. When the original milk bottle and the plant that it was attached to were sold to the Novick Brothers food company (for a mere $40,000 in 1951), an agreement was drawn up: The water tower was to remain and if the shape was not changed, the plant's new owners were allowed to paint it any color but white. It took a while, but eventually the agreement was honored and the bottle was painted gray and black.
Today, Harbisons Dairies are no longer in business (the company was sold in 1966), and all that remains is the original bottle, rusted and in danger of meeting the same fate as the other two. The bottle, nominated to the Preservation Alliance's Endangered Properties List in both 2003 and 2004 is said in the alliance's newsletter to be "not as significant as many other sites.
Great article here. More information here.
Coral and Abigail Streets [map]
Schaffer Furniture
"Schaffer Furniture"
Corners, Bainbridge and Fairhill Streets [map]
Lou Wolff & Sons
"Lou Wolff & Sons Quality Used Cars"
Not really "ghost" signs, as they are in quite good shape, as well as the business still operating on the premises. But the great typography just needed to be captured... I especially love the used of exchange letters in the phone numbers...
538 E Girard Ave [map]
Fishtown Ice
"Fishtown Ice"
As the corner buildings were being demolished, I spotted signage being reused as cladding...
Corner, Columbia Ave and Thompson St [map]
Berger Bros. Company
"Berger Bros. Company"
Some photos showing older/newer signage? Taken 1976.
236 Arch Street [map]
Joseph Cornelius - Upholsterer
"Joseph Cornelius, John Wanamaker,
Upholsterer"
Thanks to Justin Flax for sending this in!
50th and Baltimore [map]
Edwin J. Cummings Family and Steam Coal House
"CUMMINGS COAL"
Here is the location in a photo dated 8/15/1894. The building seems to be in the same place, but altered and with a second story. Gone are all the buildings on the block surrounding it.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 8 April 2008. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
400 block of 13th Street, near Callowhill [map]
Piedmont
"Peamount" and "5c"
Corner facade of Chateau-Wineo, formerly W&J and Ministry of Information.
Older photo, via Flickr, taken 18 August 1995 by xnedski.
Poplar at St John Neumann Way [map]
K&F CHINA
"K&F CHINA ...ERS"
There is more painted signage on the tile behind the white wooden planks.
230 Arch Street [map]
Philadelphia Belting Company
"Philadelphia Belting Company
MANUFACTURERS LEATHER BELTING"
6th and Spring Garden [map]
Union Transfer Co.
"Union Transfer Co.
Baggage Express"
Now a Spaghetti Warehouse.
1026 Spring Garden [map]
Esslinger's Brewery - Plant No. 1
Older, larger sign with "Esslinger" script, covered by newer, yellow-background sign. Another sign overlaps, only remaining legible section reads "... & SON."
To get a sense of the Esslinger script and color pallette, look at these items: beer label, beer can, Quizzie case, serving tray, menu sheet, and model delivery truck. For some history on Esslinger's, see here.
Ornate corner signage in stone.
More signage in stone.
10th Street and Ridge Avenue [map]
The Bicycle with the National Reputation
YATES & CO. CLOTHING
"YATES & CO. CLOTHING"
Other signage appears beneath, painted over.
Apologies for the image quality - these are screen grabs from Google Maps Street View. This sign still stands, but new construction has taken place on the lot in front of the sign prior to my being able to shoot it, blocking it from view.
An alternative view can be seen below, part of chrisinphilly's North Philadelphia Flickr set:
Broad and Indiana [map]
Block Go-Carts
Partially identified as "Block Go-Garts" (see here) in 1924.
Older signage appears beneath.
1134-1148 N American Street [map]
Shein's Express
"SHEIN'S EXPRESS, TRENTON - NEWARK - NEW YORK"
49 Laurel Street [map]
... Express?
"...STATE EXPRESS"
Many overlapping signs, all covered over with red paint.
Frankford Avenue, between Mercer and Master Streets [map]
Philadelphia Life Insurance Company
"Philadelphia Life Insurance Company" on rear of building.
Buildings are currently being razed,
amid much controversy (see here and here).
N Broad Street between Arch and Cherry [map]
Empire Building
"EMPIRE BUILDING"
Apartments (see here).
Image from 1931. PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 28 January 2008. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
13th and Walnut (sign is on Walnut side) [map]
Freedman, Casper & Co. Shirt Makers
"Freedman, Casper & Co. Shirt Makers"
Looks like there may have been more signage above.
Walnut between 9th and 10th Streets [map]
Unknown - Earl Street at Girard
Unknown.
Corner of Earl Street at Girard Avenue.
Unknown - Montgomery and Girard
Unknown.
Corner of Montgomery and Girard Avenues.
Unknown - Cresson Street, Manayunk
Unreadable signage on second story of building.
Only can make out letter "B" in center. Interesting dimensional shadow effect, similar to engraving (like type on US paper currency).
UPDATE - Reader Dave suggests "I believe the middle word wher the 'B' s visible is PUBLIC. I think the third word may be CLUB." Thanks!
Visible in this 1930 photo, to the right, above the head of the closest worker.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 13 December 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Hare and Cute Coal Pockets
"Hare and Cute Coal Co."
More info here.
Jamestown Avenue, between Main and Cresson.
Fairmount Alley
Small alley, halfway down block.
My business partner Brian had parked directly in front of this little alley between two rowhomes, and as I sat in the passenger seat I spied what looked like lettering. Upon further inspection it was a sign. All I can make out is "BY", but the sign is large, about five feet high and runs down into the alley a ways.
Fairmount between 5th and 6th
Grand Theatre - TALKIES
"Grand Theatre - TALKIES - Matinee Daily"
Sign over Snyder Avenue entrance.
At some point, probably as the term grew out of fashion, "TALKIES" was painted over in black, to hide it in the (then) black background of the sign.
Additional signage on 7th, with some painted/boarded over.
Closeup of painted brick sign, facing east, on 7th.
"Grand Theatre - Direction"
Sign over 7th Street entrance.
Note GRAND painted over THEATRE.
The Grand was originally the Synder Avenue Baptist Church. As the neighborhood changed before WWI it became a hall and eventually was converted into a moviehouse in 1911. Silent films were joined by vaudeville. Another renovation, by architect W.H. Lee, took place in the 1930s. The Grand had 850 seats and one screen, and was able to charge more than other local theaters because it had air conditioning. A retail store took over by the 1960's. Recent tenants removed the white aluminum siding that had covered the structure for decades to reveal most original painted signage still intact.
More photos here. More information on this theater here.
7th and Snyder Avenue.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in, and to Anthony DiFlorio for allowing me to post some of his photos!
Before they were Ghosts
This blog focuses on remnants of advertising and signage from a different period as they appear today. Here are some great photographs from the Philadelphia Department of Records showing signage as it was, long before some would become ghosts.
I found these via PhillyHistory.org, a mapping website that allows users to search for, view by location, and purchase thousands of historic photographs dating back to the late nineteenth century.
15-21 and 100 N Juniper Street, 1911
42-44 S. Delaware Avenue, 1898
7th and Master Street, 1904
Front and Girard, 1916
143 Front Street, 1918
Front and Arch, 1918
Broad and Spruce, 1929
Ridge and Callowhill, 1930
Market and Water Streets, 1953
Front and Market Streets, 1952
American and Fairmount, 1955
Front and Arch Streets, 1959
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 18 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Wanamaker Warehouse
John Wanamaker Wolf St. Warehouse
"??? Bldg." - blotted out with black paint
Wolf Street between Water and Swanson
Article in the Inquirer
I was interviewed by Philadelphia Inquirer metropolitan columnist Dan Rubin about this Philly Ghost Signs Project blog. It was really fun, and has renewed my interest in seeking out and capturing more signage around Philadelphia. The article even made the front page of the Inquirer online!
If you've arrived here from the links in the article, welcome! If you haven't, you can read the full article here. (LINK NO LONGER ACTIVE)
If you have any tips or information on signs that you know about, please send me an email via the link at right. Thanks for looking!
Addresses
Address markers painted on columns
This one is similar to the Nathan Trotter columns
3rd and New Streets
Mirrors and Glass
"MIRRORS AND GLASS"
Here's a shot from 1953, and you can see the sign in the upper left of the photo, in the blue band. There is a hanging sign at street level as well. From this image I can deduce that the company name was "J.E. BERKOWITZ MIRRORS AND GLASS".
Interesting to note the sign for the Horn and Hardart (building in the foreground of the top photo). Covered up by paint or stucco. Empty lot in front of the sign is now the Continental.
Another view, more recent. Sign clearly visible.
Second and Market Streets.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Black Horse Alley
Old, multi-layered sign. Large illegible letters under smaller, newer ones.
Here's a photo from 1953, and you can see a much fresher, newer sign in the upper right of the photo. You can make out the words:
"FURNITURE
INDUSTR...
MANUFACTU...
SHOW ROO..."
2nd Street at Black Horse Alley
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Behind a Billboard
Behind a billboard, corner of 2nd and Arch
Scientific Apparatus
Orianna Street at Vine Street
Charles E. Brown Mfg. Co.
vertical "Charles E. Brown Mfg. Co."
Orianna Street at Vine
Leas and McVitty Oak Tanners
"Leas and McVitty Incorporated Oak Tanners"
over a much more modern painted sign
Orianna Street at Vine Street
Unknown at Vine and Orianna
Orianna Street at Vine Street
MAO
"MAO Electrical Supplies Co. Inc.
Industrial Electrical Equipment"
4th and Vine Streets
K. Straus & Co. Leaf Tobacco
K. Straus & Co. Leaf Tobacco
Since repainted/modified with new condo logo.
(Original can be seen here)
George Young & Co.
20th & Oregon Avenue
Trotters Alley
"B. SCHAPIRO & BRO."
What seems to be spools of thread below (?)
"DELIVERIES" with arrow
On the opposite wall of the blue brick alley
Trotters Alley, 3rd at Filbert Street
Unsure of authenticity, may have been painted for the movie "Beloved." Both signs are clearly visible in two scenes in the movie. The location is the alley that leads to Oprah Winfrey's character Sethe's back door entrance to her job in Cincinnati. Period-correct signage, even simulated ghost signs, painted specifically for movies or TV shows, are not all that uncommon.
However, in this photo taken in 1929, you can see some signage on the inside of the alleyway.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
KLOSFIT Petticoat
"KLOSFIT Petticoat"
"...without any wrinkles..."
(more printed KLOSFIT ads here)
314 Arch Street [map]
Stencil Machines and Scales
"IDEAL Stencil Machines"
"TRINER Scales"
Vertical column "The WM.ALEXANDER Co."
Same building in 1977.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Arch at Mascher Street
Trenton China Pottery Co.
Trenton China Pottery Co.
More modern, but at risk of disappearing
(as did their other ads on the building directly across the street)
2nd and Arch Streets
Girard Estate Warehouses - Robert Latimer
Stephen Girard Estate Warehouses:
"Robert Latimer" on facade.
There has been much press about the renovation of these buildings (here and here). The warehouses, at 20 to 30 N. Front Street, represent virtually the final remnant of the city's commercial seafaring past.
Front and Church Streets, Olde City.
Girard Estate Warehouses - Nathan Trotter
Stephen Girard Estate Warehouses:
"Nathan Trotter & Co. Metals"
Featured in my book.
Front and Church Streets, Olde City.
Girard Estate Warehouses - Frank W. Winnie & Son Cordage
Stephen Girard Estate Warehouses:
"Frank W. Winnie & Son, Cordage, Tape Wire"
Buildings being rehabbed, facade was cleaned/repointed.
Trace signage remains - here's what it looked like before.
Still in business: www.frankwinne.com
Front and Church Streets, Olde City.
Bell Auto Radiator and Body Co.
Bell Auto Radiator and Body Co.
Not a painted sign but great nonetheless
Corner of Watts and Poplar Streets
Expert Locksmith
"Est. 1898
H. Henssler
Any Lock Any Key
Expert Locksmith"
13th and Cambridge Streets.
Garage, TEXACO Gasoline, Motor Oils
Sand Mix Van
Sometime faded ads can be found on vehicles as well.
Coca-Cola - Meats & Groceries
"Meats & Groceries
Drink Coca-Cola
Enjoy that Refreshing New Feeling!"
Camac Street and Moyamensing Avenue.
Uncle Bill's - Money To Loan
Whole facade covered in signage.
Front of building, isolated. Stitched together from multiple images. Click for larger version.
Top Row, left to right:
"... broke? Uncle Bill(?) has plenty"
"Uncle Bill's(?) Licensed and Bonded Pawn Brokers"
"Kodaks, Bicycles and Sporting Goods"
"Talking Machines, Musical Instruments and Sewing Machines"
last two difficult to make out
Middle - "Money To Loan" flanked either side by yellow pawn symbols
Bottom Row, left to right:
"Store Orders Accepted"
"Men's and Boy's Clothing and Shoes"
"Diamonds, Watches and Precious Stones"
"Trunks, Bags and Suit Cases"
"Guns Revolvers"
Other views.
Signage continues around corner.
I found an image of Moyamensing taken in 1935, and you can see the store in the upper right corner, with the awnings, above the roof of the car. There apparently was a sign with large letters hannging from the front (see "L L S"):
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 13 December 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Clarion Street and Moyamensing Avenue.
VIRGIL II Cold Case Beer
"VIRGIL II Cold Case Beer"
(Beer?) logo with chevron faded, window added - unknown.
Looks like there's an older, slightly larger sign underneath.
Entrance to alleyway.
Moyamensing between 13th and Iseminger Streets.
Philly Roofing
"Philly Roofing" - Modern, but interesting.
Girard and Berks.
Champion
"(DEPEN)DABLE" "CHAMPION" - spark plugs.
Near a bunch of old dealership buildings.
Ridge Ave & Fairmount Ave [map]
Warren (Re)fridgerators
Not really a painted sign, but great nonetheless.
Lee Street at Master Street, off Frankford.
Blair Street Ghost
Blair and Palmer Streets.
Pilling
PILLING Receiving
Moravian Street at 34th
13th and Cuthbert
13th and Cuthbert, Center City
Ace Rental Service
"ACE Rental Service... Bars..."
This sign is now completely gone, as the building has been converted into a community center.
Older photo, via Flickr, taken 18 August 1995 by xnedski. Less of the sign has been painted over here.
Above located to right of door, photo taken in 1955. Sign seems to have been painted over and become larger from this version. Note more signage going north on 3rd.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
3rd and Fairmount Streets
Edward Corner Marine Merchandize Warehouse
Gretz Brewery
Gretz Brewery smokestack.
Some history of the William Gretz Brewing Company here.
Another shot sent in by John Langdon.
Oxford Street at Germantown Avenue [map]
Halton Bros.
Halton Bros.
American Street, between Diamond and Susquehanna.
Catalogs, Booklets, Stationery
"Catalogs, Booklets, Stationery"
Trenton Ave at Norris Street
Sterling Paper
Just off Frankford and Castor in Port Richmond.
Some sort of art project, on top of old Sterling Paper signage.
Cramp Shipbuilding
"Cramp Shipbuilding Machine Shops"
Signage over the two eastern facing entrances.
"...FOREIGN ... CO."
Another sign from a newer business, on the southern face.
One of the few remaining structures of a once sprawling complex.
Richmond at Beach at the end of Delaware Ave.
Pioneer Leimel Fabrics
Pioneer Leimel Fabrics
Modern sign over large, illegible sign.
Side of smokestack - "UNIT OF..."
Makers of imitation leather.
E. Ontario St. at Weikel St.
Driscoll Constr.
Driscoll Constr. Co., Inc.
Frankford below Girard
Spruance and others on Richmond
Spruance Quality Paints.
"Ask Your Dealer" and "Sold by Leading Stores"
Richmond Machine Co.
"Mach. Work and Welding"
???
Richmond St. at Tioga
BAT...
"BAT(TERIES?)"
Lettering revealed when structure demolished.
Note lettering revealed where stairs used to be. Apparently lettering covered this whole wall.
UPDATE - Due to exposure (or by someone's hand) more of the sign has been revealed:
"SERVICE AND REPAIR WO(RK)"
corner, E. Girard and Shackamaxon Streets [map]
Furniture?
"...Furniture..."
corner, 2nd and George Streets
Peter Woll and Sons Feather Co.
Peter Woll & Sons Feather Co., c.1891.
Another newer "PAPER" sign above, older fainter "FEATHER" below.
More information here.
Some newer shots (2008):
Berks between Hancock and Mutter Streets [map]
McCaulley Steen & Co.
McCaulley Steen & Co.
"COKE COAL FUEL OIL"
Port Richmond, by the river.
Penn Fruit
Penn Fruit Co.
20th and Oregon Ave.
Signage since covered with CVS lettering.
Headhouse
Sign removed for rotating Hard Rock Cafe guitar.
Refurbished and relocated at street level one block away.
12th & Market.
Nat'l Licorice/Wanamaker Shirt Factory
"National Licorice Company"
Also Wanamaker Shirt Factory.
Broad & Washington. Demolished.
Jack Frost Sugar Refinery
"MERCHANTS' WAREHOUSE COMPANY
SHACKAMAXON STORES"
Jack Frost Sugar Refinery.
Demolished 1997.
Taken 1955.
Painting of these buildings by Thomas Parker William entitled Delaware Avenue Rising. Available here.
Future site of Sugar House Casino.
More information/photos here.
PhillyHistory.org. Philadelphia Department of Records. 27 November 2007. <http://www.phillyhistory.org>.
Frankford and Delaware Avenue [map]
FRANKLIN S&R corp.
"FRANKLIN S.& R. corp."
Bust logo lettering:
"EFFICIENT SAMPLING
• CAREFUL ASSAY
• GOOD RETURNS"
The Franklin sign is painted over a much older, larger sign. You can make out "...MBER CO" whitewashed along the bottom of the white sign.
At some point the Franklin changed to a corporation, necessitating the whitewashing of the old lettering of "CO." which is still visible. A less polished, lowercase "corp." covers the space. Looks as if the bust logo may have changed or added later as well, since it's background also seems to have been whitewashed.
Castor at Balfour, Port Richmond.
Beach Street - William M. Lloyd Company
"William M. Lloyd Company"
A true ghost sign - only visible at certain times.
See below, the same location, shot at a different time:
N. Beach at E. Susquehanna [map]
Appliances, Cabinets, Vanities - Frankford
"TAPPAN"
Image of home cooking range.
"Appliances, Cabinets, Vanities"
Frankford Avenue, by the Girard Station.
JOSIA'S
"JOSIA'S"
Probably multi-layered, this newer sign over older signs beneath.
Along Hancock, north of Girard.
Steel Co.
Barely legible "STEEL CO. OFFI..."
Hancock Street between Jefferson and Oxford.
Paper Boxes
"...Paper Boxes"
Corner, Hancock and Turner Streets.
Ghost in Junogi
Barely visible "...GLER..."
Corner, Thompson and Howard Streets.
Parke's Coffee
"Parke's Coffee" and many others...
Frankford Ave. near Girard Station.
Standard Tap - NoLibs
"15c." Outdoor deck at Standard Tap.
Tap Room - No Libs
3rd and Brown.
typical south philly house number
Typical South Philly house number, one of many styles.
Not a painted sign, but a fixture that is slowly disappearing.
Will try to find a painted example.
Ghost - Chestnut Street
Modern, partially stuccoed over.
Chestnut near 8th.
Quaker Oats - NoLibs
"Quaker Oats on sale here."
3rd and Brown.
Recently demolished.
Society Hill Furniture, older
Exposed - Art Museum
Small preserved portion revealed when existing
parking structure was demolished. Since covered
up again by new construction.
22nd and Race, Art Museum Area.
JT Riley - The Yard with the Stock
"JT RILEY INC. - The Yard With The Stock since 1905"
"HARD WOODS
MILLWORK
MOULDINGS"
3rd just below Girard
(More on the bike here)
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