Ghost Signs of Arkansas

by Cynthia Lea Haas, Jeff Holder (Editor)

From the late 1800s to the early 1950s, painted wall signs were a major mode of advertisement for both national companies and local businesses across America. Many of these artistic messages, now faded, peeling, and partially covered, still peek out from the storefronts, barns, alleyways, warehouses, theaters, and even stagecoach stops they once decorated. Photographer Jeff Holder and author Cynthia Haas explore this often overlooked art form in Arkansas and show us signs that appear mysteriously in the rain, signs that are curiously painted in remote places, images and words now only half decipherable. From Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Grapette Soda to Kis-Me-Gum, Uneeda Biscuit, and Snowdrift Flour, the logos and slogans are at once familiar and enigmatic. Archival photographs reference the time when these brightly colored messages covered the facades of downtown buildings. Of particular interest in this book are the profiles of three "wall dogs," or sign painters, who remember the difficulties and joys of their unusual profession.

128 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[RebL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating remembrance of a bygone time. I only wish it was bigger.

[Sue Babcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and straightforward, with lots of photos and minimal text ( mostly descriptive and location), focusing on "ghost signs" throughout smalltown and rural Arkansas. Some basic and helpful explanations/descriptions included, about the different types of signs and where and how they were employed: "privilege" signs, proprietary or product signs (think "Coke").