Frank Mastropolo

If you ever wondered about some old faded murals on buildings and the history behind them, this is a book that will interest you.

Ghost Signs is a heaping helping of gorgeous old building signs and a history lesson about New York’s fledgling businesses. It was interesting to read about Wall Dog painters from the 1920 era when safety precautions took a backseat. I placed a link in for current painters called Wall Dogs.

There is a triangular marker embedded in the sidewalk to mark it as part of the Hess property estate. In 1910 there was a five story building called the Voorhis, owned by David Hess. It was seized by the city as eminent domain to place a subway through the area. During a review of surveys it was determined there was one triangular portion hat still belonged to the Hess Estate. This ,marker was placed to show it was never intended to for public purposes.

Did you know Gold Medal Flour was originally named Washburn Crosby’s Superlative Flour? In 1880 their first entry into an international millers’ competition won a gold medal.

There are more stories to share but it's fun reading, educational too, learning how immigrants started small businesses, some of which became international.

Publication date is November 28, 2019. non-Fiction and Travel genre.

Much thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.… (meer)

The wannabe archaeologist/historian in me absolutely loved this book! Mastropolo uses what he refers to as ghost signs, faded ads and business signage on brick buildings in lower Manhattan, to take the reader back to a time when immigrants to Manhattan set up shop and advertised in a 19th century manner.
Pop up ads in the late 1800's and early 1900's were painted with a long lasting lead paint or cut in stone and although the businesses themselves are gone their memory is not forgotten. Often times, new businesses allowed the paint to remain and although sometimes covered with neon signs the originals can still be deciphered.
The author includes pictures to go along with historical facts about the neighborhoods, businesses and the entrepreneurs who owned them making the book come to life. Fascinating factoids are quite interesting and pertain to companies in still in existence today.
With Mastropolo as my inspiration, I'll pay closer attention to older buildings in my city and wonder about their historical significance with clues left behind by those who came before.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for advanced copy of the e-book in exchange for a honest review.
On sale in November, 2019… (meer)