This clip recently appeared on the Channel 9 news in Melbourne. It features me talking to reporter Tony Jones about some of the little-known stories behind old Melbourne signage.
Some of these signs are described in more detail on my blog Melbourne Circle, and in the forthcoming book Melbourne Circle: Walking, Memory and Loss.
They’re the fading ghosts of Melbourne’s past, a reminder of a bygone era, a simpler time before flashy advertising.
But as they slowly vanish, efforts are being made to ensure so-called ‘ghost signs’ don’t disappear into the shadows. @TJch9 #9News pic.twitter.com/Ub339r6dA5
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) June 21, 2020
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Some of the ghost signs that appear in this clip:
Penfolds wine/Monkey Brand Soap/Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills – Abbotsford St North Melbourne
Maison Marney Brandy – Canning St North Melbourne
Cinzano – Buckley St, Footscray
Alex Barfoot shoe repairs – Little Collins St, Melbourne
L. W. Holmes paperhanger – Glenferrie Rd, Malvern
Capstan cigarettes/Temple Bar – Stephen St, Yarraville
Family chemist/Palcolor – Ballarat St, Yarraville
J. King … self raising – Cecil/Bank St, South Melbourne
Wines and Spirits – Epsom Road, Kensington
Robur tea / Bushells tea – Park St, Carlton North
Greys – Arden St, North Melbourne
Atco Jeep etc – Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne
Nick Gadd - author 