Secret Ghost Sign at 825 Bush Street - Omar Cigarettes? / December 28, 2021 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.

Par-T-Pak Soda Signs of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland / July 19, 2020 by Kasey Smith

Thanks to a briefly revealed Par-T-Pak sign in the Lower Haight, this brand has been on all of San Francisco’s lips. So what is the story behind Par-T-Pak beverages and their remaining Bay Area signs?

Our First Foray Into Ghost Sign Merch - The Eat Carnation Mush Lapel Pin / January 29, 2020 by Kasey Smith

Celebrate one of San Francisco's most iconic ghost signs - The Eat Carnation Mush sign on Market Street - with this enamel pin from the San Francisco Ghost Sign Mapping Project.

New Carnation Milk Sign in Chinatown / December 4, 2019 by Kasey Smith

NEW SIGN ALERT! As shot on Kearny near Columbus,

RIP Hunt's Donuts / December 4, 2019 by Kasey Smith

RIP the Hunt's Quality Donuts sign on Mission Street.

Thanks to the watchful eye of Chuck Revell from RevellRay Photography a new sign has been spotted near Ocean Beach on the corner of Balboa Street and La Playa Street.

Uncovered during work on the building's siding, the sign points to a previous life as the Cliff House Hotel and Apartments. Below are shots of the building from the 1920's and 1930's. Look at how open and undeveloped the neighborhood looks!

Seen a recently revealed sign?

New signs are often revealed during renovation and demolition of older buildings in San Francisco. If you happen to see a newly revealed sign let us know at katherineclere@gmail.com!

Thwarted By Gates and Rennovations / February 20, 2018 by Kasey Smith

I never managed to get a clear shot of this sign before it was removed. I am not a fan of the locked gate that prevented this...

Actually, the gate was often unlocked, but Comcast vans usually blocked the Nestle sign. My kingdom for some bolt cutters and the ability to hot wire a car and turn back time.

Given the sign’s western-facing direction, that it was considerably less dilapidated than the surrounding corrugated metal, and the modern can shape & pull tab I’m guessing this sign was “fake old” (or at least restored). However, I couldn’t find a lot on this specific ad/campaign so I’m unsure at this point. Still a gorgeous sign with a great retro color scheme. The sign says:

You’ll look better and love it!
Drink Nestle Sweet Success
Health Shake
Creamy Milk Chocolate

The front of the building can be seen This sign was also removed during renovations.

Until recently, there was a twin Nestle Sweet Success sign above CounterSpace on Mission at 9th. It was effectively obscured by new high rise construction on Jessie Street and then painted over all together.