Once
upon a time, it seemed that all you needed to advertise your business was
a prominently visible brick wall, a generous amount of paint, and a talented
sign painter. Throughout the area, these painted wall advertisements
provided a great variety of different products to those who observed them,
from local cleaners and retailers to even nationally advertised products.
In time, however, the use of painted wall advertisements diminished, as cheaper
methods of outdoor advertisements, such as billboards became more prevalent.
Despite the decades that have passed since this form of advertising was popular,
a number of these ads have largely resisted the fading effects of time to
persevere and remain highly visible, despite the fact that most of
the products and businesses they advertise are no longer in business.
Here is a look at some painted walls, both large and small that can be spotted
within the Baltimore area:
DUE TO THE EVER INCREASING VOLUME OF THESE SIGNS SPOTTED, I'VE SEPARATED
THE SIGNS GEOGRAPHICALLY TO LEAD TO SHORTER PAGES AND LOADING TIME AS WELL
AS BETTER PRESENTATION. THE AREA IS DIVIDED INTO 5 ROUGH DISTRICTS.
CHOOSE ANY AREA FROM THE LISTING BELOW:

Considering its ubiquitousness in the local landscape, one would think
that the "Land of Pleasant Living" would be littered with ads for
National Bohemian Beer, but to date, only this one partial ad has been
found on Charles Street South of Preston. Thanks to Louis Cooper
for the lead.
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A particularly colorful Coca Cola ad can be found on North Avenue near
Charles Street, and definitely makes one thirsty when sitting at the
traffic signal here on a hot day.
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I can never personally recall seeing advertising for Cloud Matresses,
but this durable ad on Guilford Avenue near Chase certainly attests to
their one time existence. This ad is easily visible from
Northbound I-83.
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Considering the unfortunate circumstances of its urban surroundings,
this "DRUGS" sign may invite a few tasteless jokes. It is visible
from Homewood Avenue near 20th Street.
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On Greenmount Avenue near Chase Street is this ad for what appears to
be Louck's Shoe Store. The building, still occupied, no longer
sells any shoes.
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Madison Street east of Eutaw carries this ad for the no longer in business STERLING LAUNDRY. They know how.
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This "Hotel Kernan" sign is visible looking East on Franklin Street from Eutaw.
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Just North of Franklin Street near Howard, this ad for the NEW Academy Hotel can be spotted when looking up.
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North Avenue East of Greenmount was the site of this novel double faded
ad that resulted in an unusual request to "VOTE FOR MASTER LOAN."
The building has since been demolished.
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GOT MORE? CONTACT ME!
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