Hiatus

Original posting date: February 17, 2010

I started this project two and a half years ago, in August, 2007. I was going to simply reshoot some ghost signs I'd photographed in 1996-97. That ballooned into a project to chronicle all of Portland's ghost signs. And I think I've done that, or at least all I know about and want to include.

Therefore, this blog is going into hiatus until I come up with fresh material. That may be a new (old) sign that I find, or that you tell me about. It may be a sign that's uncovered due to demolition of a building. It may be the loss of an existing sign due to new construction or covering with new advertising. Or I may wait another 10 years and start all over again to see how these great signs are holding up.

Please let me know if you think I should include something here, if you know about a sign that I don't know about. I know they're out there!

If you're a Portland history buff and love old photos, follow along on my new venture: Vintage Portland.

Portland Ice Cream Co. Update

Last year the shop at SE Hawthorne & 42nd Avenue began renovations and uncovered some old Portland Ice Cream Co. signs. Shortly after that Ray Taylor sent this image of the original signage from years ago. Oddly, the photo was stuck to the inside of the glass as I took my photo, I completely missed it. Thanks, Ray, for being more observant than I (and sorry for the delay in posting it).

4124 N. Miss Ave Update

The two little hand-painted tin address signs embedded it the retaining wall at 4124 N. Missippi Ave were among the most quaint and personal signs we've seen on this blog. Unfortunately they are now gone, haphazardly painted over with a spray can and oak leaf stencil. Sadly, these go into the extinct pile.

2012:

Portland Ice Cream Co.

Several generations of ice cream signs were recently uncovered on the corner of SE Hawthorne & 42nd Ave. A building renovation removed the old wood "modernization" paneling to reveal these beauties. Portland Ice Cream Co. was mentioned several times in The Oregonian from the 1940s and 1950s. These signs are likely to disappear again soon. Thanks to Ray Taylor for alerting me to this find.

2012:

Supply Appliances Parts & Service

This old sign was recently uncovered when a newer billboard was removed from in front of the wall. I'd been by this building on NW Glisan between 17th & 18th many times so I was suprised to find this gem. Age in unknown, maybe the 1950s?

2012:

RC Cola/7up

These two old signs have probably been around since the 1970s or so. They are on the backside of the Portland Bottling Co. at NE 12th and Davis. You'll have to go around the back side and onto Buckman Field to see these signs.

2012: