Ghost signs of New York’s small business past

All the turnover lately among the small shops of New York City has one upside: Store signs from decades ago that had been long buried come back into view—like these two signs spotted by Ephemeral New York readers.

The first is at 7105 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst. Up until recently, it was covered by a sign containing Chinese letters, a reflection of the influx of Chinese immigrants in this corner of Brooklyn.

But when that sign came down, this understated one for Charlie & Brothers Fish Market emerged. The building dates back to the 1930s, and the sign looks like it could be that old too.

Apparently the store had been a fish market until the 1990s under a different name, Mola. Who was Charlie?

Just as mysterious is this sign on Seventh Avenue and 56th Street, for an establishment called Wilson’s.

The small store is surrounded by the usual Midtown jumble of tourist spots, cafes, and electronics shops. The entire building has construction scaffolding around it, so it probably won’t be with us much longer. What remains of Wilson’s is destined to be bulldozed with the larger building it’s part of.

[Thanks to Eric V. and Amy S. for these photos!]

Vintage Coca-Cola signage on faded storefronts

Are these real Coca-Cola store signs—or just temporary props put up for a film shoot?

I might say the latter if I didn’t see them myself. There aren’t many delis, drugstores, and luncheonettes left in New York featuring the familiar red and white Coke logo.

Spotting one is like a trip back in time. The Starlite Deli fluorescent sign continues to light up West 44th Street in Times Square.

A handmade sign advertising Coke and 7-Up, now that’s a rare find. This one is on Carmine Street.

This corner shop in Astoria apparently still stocks 20th century artifacts such as school supplies, cigars, and “pocketbooks.” It’s under the N train elevated tracks.

Falling apart store signs: Chinatown edition

Chinatown: Tasty food, cheap knockoffs, amusing trinkets, and plenty of eye-popping, pre-1980s store signage—a lot of it on its last legs.

Like Lung Moon “Baker,” missing that last y:

The Big Wong sign says it all:

Several letters have fallen off the Chinatown Fair sign. But that’s okay; I’ve never seen a store advertise themselves as a venue for Tic-Tac-Toe before! 

Red and green seems to be a popular color combo on Chinatown signs:

More signs that have seen better days

Dirt, dust, missing or crooked letters—these old yet charming store signs continue to hang on and get their message across.

Heather’s Treasures (free lay-a-way!) is on East 23rd Street:

Best Housekeeping has been on Avenue A since 1924 (no idea about the age of the sign, however):

Eddie’s Wholesales has stationary goods and paper goods:

Now this sounds like a real old German beauty shop, in Yorkville, of course: