Of Ghost Signs and Gloves - An Advertising Mystery in Old Oakland /  by Kasey Smith

This might be a first in the history of this mapping project. A wall was cleared of old paint and it REVEALED old signs instead of removing them. Shocking, I know. We’ve seen it before in this 2021 post on Par-T-Pak beverage signs in the Bay Area. This building is known as “the Oriental Block” and sits on Washington Street in Old Oakland. Built in the 1880's by architect John Marquis, it’s been designated Oakland Landmark #LM 82-263. Back in the early fall of 2021, the building’s billboards were removed, revealing a partial Par-T-Pak beverages sign from the 1930’s-1950’s. Given the age of the building, I’ve always known there were considerably older signs under that beige paint. Well, lo and behold, in spring of 2022 that paint was stripped, revealing faint outlines of those very signs.

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Secret Signs at 641 O'Farrell /  by Kasey Smith

I’ve been doing some research on the OpenSFHistory site, cross referencing their pics with my map to see how many of these signs can be traced through the historic photographic record of the city. Specifically, I’ve been looking at their Vista Views Map which features, as the name suggests, big sweeping photos of the city at large. My goal - to find an image, or images for my book that really show the scope of earthquake devastation and help explain the uneven nature of recovery in the Tenderloin. Basically, a visual origin point that explains in one fell pixelated swoop how we ended up with so many secret signs hidden on the backs and sides of buildings.

And I did!


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Secret Signs at 555 Eddy - Coca Cola and Tree Trre /  by Kasey Smith

In an earlier post I discussed the secret ghost signs of San Francisco - those quirks of geography or post earthquake development that are best viewed using Google Earth or similar satellite mapping software. It turns out that much like the ghost sign map in general, my understanding of San Francisco’s secret ghost signs is also evolving because I’ve recently found more of them. Not only did I find a potential Omar Cigarettes sign on 825 Bush, but I’ve found some equally interesting secret signs on 555 Eddy.

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Secret Ghost Sign at 825 Bush Street - Omar Cigarettes? /  by Kasey Smith

In my last post I discussed the secret ghost signs of San Francisco - those quirks of geography or post earthquake development that are best viewed using Google Earth or similar satellite mapping software. It turns out that much like the ghost sign map in general, my understanding of San Francisco’s secret ghost signs is also evolving because I’ve recently found more of them.

This ghost sign on 825 Bush is noteworthy for the clarity of the text - OMAR in oversized lettering can be seen splashed along the backside of the building with additional faint rectangular graphics below it.

But before we get into what this sign might have originally depicted, let’s talk about where and how it was originally designed to be viewed.

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East Bay Ghost Sign Community Contribution Day - Oct 17th /  by Kasey Smith

Oakland Ghost Signs

Where - All Over the East Bay
When - Saturday October 17th 2020, 9am-6pm
Details - https://www.facebook.com/events/1165559053845066

After nine years of identifying, documenting, and researching San Francisco's ghost signs we are expanding the scope of our project to include the East Bay!

Given the scale of the East Bay this is going to be a TOUGH and LONG project so we’re turning to the community to help identify and document where the East Bay's ghost signs are.

Enter the East Bay Community Contribution Day!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Previous contribution days have focused on digital research. This one is focused on safe, socially distanced identification and documentation.

STEP #1 - Pick a neighborhood in an East Bay city. We're most keen to map Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda but DO NOT let that limit you. If you want to pick Richmond or Emeryville or Hayward go for it! Don't worry about coordinating with other people, even if you pick the same neighborhood as someone else you're going to get different signs and different shots of the same sign.

STEP #2 - Take your camera/cell phone and go forth! Walk or drive or take public transportation. Go for as long or as short a time period as you like. Go solo or with your quaranteam or with a socially distanced group of friends.

STEP #3 - Take pictures of any signs you see. We are of course most interested in the hand painted signs but who does't like looking at old neon and retro plastic signs? (note, these are more for funsies and might not make it to the actual map) Just make sure to note the address or intersection so we know how/where to map them.

STEP #4 - Share what you've found. There are a couple different ways to do so:

Questions? Let us know in the comments