Mohawk Apts.

12th and Jefferson, Capitol Hill



There's a lot going on here: "Mohawk Apts." is clear, then under that "For Vacant Lots in this Vicinity" and "Union Trust Co." Over the top of it all appears to once have been "KING SIZE COKE" though it is not clear whether this was Coke as in Coca-Cola, or Coke as in fuel or something else entirely. It seems to imply the cola, but I've never seen a Coke ad that wasn't in the stylized script. This is definitely a head scratcher. Also, apologies for the shadows but there isn't a better time of day to see the lettering this clearly. If you see more going on here, please comment!

Auto Service Repair and Supply

12th and Madison, Capitol Hill


"...C.W JOE... Auto Service Repair and Supplies phone ast 36"

I've done a cursory look for telephone exchanges in Seattle and have found no records so I'm not yet sure if "ast" was in fact the exchange, or if this meant something altogether different. Let me know what you think!


This building is currently home to Stumptown Coffee and Cafe Presse.

Hartford Glass

Pike and Broadway, Capitol Hill

This specimen is in excellent shape with lots of color remaining.

"Hartford Glass Co.
Automobile Glass and Mirrors"

Roycroft Theater

19th and Aloha, Capitol Hill


















I had just finished the book "The Hill with a Future: Seattle's Capitol Hill" by Jacqueline B. Williams when I just happened to ride down 19th and saw this. In the book, she talks specifically about the Roycroft's history for several dedicated paragraphs. I almost lost my passenger when I stopped to snap this pic, I was so excited.

The building now houses the Russian Community Center. Lucky Russians!

Oldsmobile?

12th and Madison, Capitol Hill


















I believe this advertisement is for Oldsmobile, though the "l" and the "e" of the word don't look right to me. Fascinating that it was painted in reverse, to look correct to drivers in their rear-view mirrors! Great find!

Motor Co.

Broadway and Union, Capitol Hill


















I'll try not to get too depressed about this and instead focus on the fact that we can actually still see the color and artistry of the sign that once was.

H.W. Baker Linen Co.

10th and Union, Capitol Hill


















I can't get over how perfect this sign still is, it must be fairly new in terms of ghost signs. In fact, google tells me that this company still exists, though certainly not in this building any longer.

Service Station

11th between Pine and Pike, Capitol Hill


















Looks like I captured this on just the right day. Though its hard to tell, the lettering probably says "Overland" which reader MrCachet points out in the comment section here was a popular car in the early 1900's. The only legible wording left is:

"Service Station"

Physican [sic]

10th and Pine, Capitol Hill


















A total guess, but my instinct tells me that this was an advertisement for some kind of physician preparation school. I believe the ad *probably* once said:

"LEP_R'S SCHOOL OF PHYSICAN PREPARATION".,

Yeah. They misspelled "Physician". This sign has since been covered by a modern advertisement.

7/22/09- UPDATE: the modern (vinyl?) sign has been removed and the original ghostie is in tact!

Cigar

This sign is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, at Pike and 10th. In pretty bad shape, the only word I can make out on this sign is "Cigar".

Good-See-Cars

1201 East Union (12th and Madison)
The Vanderbilt Building- currently occupied by Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, a preparatory High School.

This looks to be at least a double sign. The words I can make out are "Good", "See", "Cars" and "Buy". Unfortunately, graffiti was added at the bottom of this sign, which was subsequently powerwashed away, taking the paint of the original signs with it.