Gone

The removal of the sign for the Imperial Mall, while a shame,

isn't inappropriate. There's really not much of a mall there.

Photo found in the Hastings Tribune. Submitted by Ms. P. Birky.

You can see more of this sign here.

Liquor Dealer

Somehow, during our last visit to Hastings, we missed this one.

Hastings

Back from vacation, with a treasure trove of ghost signs from Michigan.

Our first offering comes from Hastings*, Michigan.  The only surviving ghost sign, Fellows Hardware, in a downtown that likely had more than a few.  But, urban renewal has led to lots of painting, likely covering up other examples.

*We have several other ghost signs from another Hastings, in Nebraska.  We've lumped this one in under the same tag, just to confuse you.

Not Much to See Here

Crossing the railroad tracks, we pulled into the parking lot to catch the remnants of this sign.

It's nothing flashy, but, if we hadn't stopped for this one, we would have missed this, across the street, and across the tracks.

Hello Hastings

 

Hastings, Nebraska.  I spent four years here, while in college, and then about three years later, returned for three more years, for work.

 

 

While I was there, I noticed a few, and this may be where I developed my love of the art form.

These were all taken in 2013, during a trip home to see family.  But, I first went hunting in 2012.

You can find those in the archives, including the now famous Hotel Clarke.

7 Up

 

We have no solid evidence to support the theory, however, we are convinced this was once an ad for 7-Up that was been thoroughly scrubbed.  We base the belief on what appears to be "no caffeine" at the top.

But, who knows?  It could be some archaic decaf coffee advertisement.

All Around

 

In Hastings, just south of the Downtown, there's the massive Borley building. 

The company appears to be still in business, so, it doesn't truly qualify as ghost sign...

 

But, on the north side of the building, it explodes.

 

Sinner Rentals is also still in business, but it is a prime location to "lease(d) ad space", as it's right next to the railroad tracks.  Amtrak still runs right past.

 

I believe the subtitle reads "Mild Havna", which suggests a cigar.  And it looks older than the name ending with "SEN" above it.

 

"Very Best" something.

The Tank

Glad I caught this before it was completely lost.

Hastings.  When I was in college, I don't remember this place being open at all.

Go West

 

I'm back from a nearly two excursion into the high country.  And it was a profitable journey, in the hunt for ghost signs.

 

This was across the street from my old college bar, but I'd forgotten about it.

Thanks to my niece for pointing it out, thanks to my sister for putting me up for the night, and thanks to my brother-in-law for lending his truck for the hunt. 

 

(The Imperial Mall sign could be considered a ghost sign simply because there really isn't much left there.)

 

Many more to come, from across Nebraska and Wyoming.

 

 

AND...

The GhostSign calendar is now available for purchase, just in time for Christmas.

 

Here's the link, it includes three of our photos and it's just $23!

Waiting...

 

... for gentrification to catch up.

 

And, don't forget: there's still time to vote for your favorite entries in the Ghostsigns calendar competition over at Facebook.  We have 5 entries, (although one is a duplicate), and by the latest tallies, our Barq's Root Beer is in third place, with the Ice Cream Parlor/Carpets sign tied for fourth.  The Hotel Clarke may still be in the running, but it will be close, and the Mockbee entry, isn't doing all that well.

 

Still, having Cincinnati, Ohio, and perhaps Hastings, Nebraska, represented on an international calendar won't be half bad, eh?

 

(For your convenience, here's a quick look at our entries:)

 

Tell your friends!

 

Entries Sent

 

For consideration of inclusion in an international calendar collection of some of the world's finest ghost sign, we have submitted these three beauties.

 

We can submit two more.  Suggestions?

Oh, and you'll need to "vote", by going to facebook and liking these entries, once they appear.

 

Thanks in advance!

Blast from the Past

 

Old pal D.L. Hudson, who you'll remember from the Omaha hunt, sent these over the weekend.  And I had to laugh. 

They're from inside Murphy's Wagon Wheel, which was our college bar.  I'd completely forgotten about the ghost signs inside, because a.) I'd forgotten a lot of things while at Murph's, and b.) Our regular table was on the other side of the wall, in the other half of the building. 

It'd be easy to suspect the ghost sign was created inside, after the bar was built, but I don't think so.  The bricks were pretty weathered, even back in the early '90s, when we were saving tickets for free pitchers.

The Last from the Trip, and, Another Inspiration

 

When I was in college, I lived not far from this large, red brick building, with few windows.  The structure was fascinating.    And now that I've seen in again, it reminds me of another large, red brick building I find fascinating.

 

 

Could this be a second Sign Zero?

Hastings, NE

 

 

Still in business, but with new signage.

Hastings, NE

Sign Zero

This could be the sign that started it all.

It's in Hastings, where I went to college, and where I returned for my first full-time job.  Anywhoo, I always liked this sign, and as far as I can tell, it's the first such ghost sign to imprint itself on my consciousness.  (The Clarke is now a retirement home.)