G: Ghost Signs

A ghost sign is a painted exterior wall advertisement, often faded over time to the point of being a virtual apparition. Downtown Fort Collins has many wonderful examples. This city document, Apparitions of the Past, is a fascinating look at the ghost signs, including the history of our painted wall signs and the “wall dogs” who painted them.














I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the ‘Albert Damm Bitter’ beer at Coopersmith’s, but I never made the connection between it and the ‘Damm’s Bakery - Confectionary’ sign on the wall above the Silver Grill. Albert Damm came to Fort Collins from Germany and opened the bakery here in 1877. According to Fort Collins Yesterdays, by Evadene Burris Swanson, the baker’s estimated earnings in 1878 were $4,500, “higher than a blacksmith, a harness maker, and a saloon keeper.” I wonder if the bakery sold cinnamon rolls…?

Mystery Photo:
As part of last Friday's April Fool's post, the mystery photo was of the Golden Gate Bridge. I have been there, but I used the picture that came pre-loaded on my computer.






















Where in Fort Collins was this week's picture taken?