'Ghost' signs - then and now.

[Gramaisc]

Numerous times I've been up and down Gaol Road and only this weekend do I spot this lovely ghost sign.
It's pretty big too.

Looks like there's another below Will's Gold Flake cigarettes, anybody any ideas?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Flake


View attachment 6795 View attachment 6796 View attachment 6797

In rather better condition in 1984.




And 1975.



I have absolutely no memory of the old school being there or being demolished, though I went into Bob Picken's book cave, in the ex-Boon's, every Saturday during those years.

 

[Gramaisc]

From memory it was something to do with pop bottles or a bottling place.

Hardman & Openshaw, I think.

 

[RobUSA]

In rather better condition in 1984.




And 1975.



I have absolutely no memory of the old school being there or being demolished, though I went into Bob Picken's book cave, in the ex-Boon's, every Saturday during those years.

How long was the book shop there? I recall going in in the early 1980s. He expanded. Someone tried to burn it down.

I think they tried again before he gave up.

 

[Gramaisc]

How long was the book shop there? I recall going in in the early 1980s. He expanded. Someone tried to burn it down.

I think they tried again before he gave up.

I probably started going regularly in about 1980, but it seemed to have been there for ever at that point.

 

[Glam]

I used be on a site called Midlands Heritage. There was a bloke on there called Berenice (Bernard).
He used to photograph the ghost signs, It's quite incredible how many there is in Stafford alone.

 

[Len's Lens]

I hope these ghost signs are preserved, it gives a fascinating insight into Stafford's past. It is so good that the billboard covering Boons Wholesale Retail Tobacconists has been removed as it was very unsightly. Now though, an eerie sign of the past now lurks with so much more gravitas.

 

[Gramaisc]

I hope these ghost signs are preserved, it gives a fascinating insight into Stafford's past. It is so good that the billboard covering Boons Wholesale Retail Tobacconists has been removed as it was very unsightly. Now though, an eerie sign of the past now lurks with so much more gravitas.

Mmm, as related earlier, the one at Shanghai Garden survived until the hoarding covering it was removed, then it was painted over...

 

[industryarch]

Gaol mews

 

[Tumble weed]

The old Do It All sign shows through now and again, it's especially clear during the winter months. Took this photo today as I was walking past.

 

[Martin]

New to this thread, I've seen the boon sign opposite the prison for months and quite often thought how nice it would probably look if the current owner/landlord bought it back to life!

 

[homes and lines]

Not a ghost sign yet, but maybe one for the future.
Or not, I hope Candid stays open for as long as the owner wants it to.

Maybe this thread can include hand written signs or, those that look hand written or, those that are straight to wall types of signs.

Anyway, it's a lovely sign.

 

[Tilly]

 

[Mudgie]

How long was the book shop there? I recall going in in the early 1980s. He expanded. Someone tried to burn it down.

I think they tried again before he gave up.

You've reminded me of that bookshop. During the 1980s I took maybe a couple of dozen books left over from a jumble sale and got more than I expected which nicely boosted the sale's takings.

 

[PeterD]

Driving through the town today. Had to pull over and get a picture.

 

[gilesjuk]

Not sure what sign used to be there?

 

[Mudgie]

Driving through the town today. Had to pull over and get a picture. View attachment 12124

Did Paul Burton Cycles used to be there ?
And was there any truth in the rumour that he was no relation of Henry Burton in Mill Street ?

 

[Gramaisc]

Did Paul Burton Cycles used to be there ?
And was there any truth in the rumour that he was no relation of Henry Burton in Mill Street ?

Paul's shop was next-door, in my memory, where the grassed area is now, there were some structural issues, apparently. I did buy a bike off him and was assured that there was no direct connection with the Mill Street operation.

 

[Mudgie]

Paul's shop was next-door, in my memory, where the grassed area is now, there were some structural issues, apparently. I did buy a bike off him and was assured that there was no direct connection with the Mill Street operation.

Thanks for that.
I used Henry Burtons for many years then, I think when he was too busy, Paul Burtons a few times.
I hardly cycled since moving to walking distance from work thirty years ago and not at all since suffering a stroke thirteen years ago.

 

[Gramaisc]

Thanks for that.
I used Henry Burtons for many years then, I think when he was too busy, Paul Burtons a few times.
I hardly cycled since moving to walking distance from work thirty years ago and not at all since suffering a stroke thirteen years ago.

I will have bought my bike in 1978 and he was only there for a few years - the internet seems fairly silent on the subject.

 

[Withnail]

... the internet seems fairly silent on the subject.

Make some noise and it won't be.