Royal Crown Cola
Muskogee, OK
Photo and info courtesy Greg West

Ghost signs painted on the sides of old brick buildings are always eye-catching and one of my favorite parts of exploring small downtowns. This faded Royal Crown Cola advertisement in Muskogee is a wonderful reminder of a time when hand-painted wall ads were everywhere. The sign proudly proclaims, "Drink Royal Crown Cola – Best By Taste Test," and has managed to survive decades of Oklahoma weather.

Greg West remembers stopping at service stations with his dad and brothers, where he always chose an RC Cola. It's memories like those that make old ghost signs so special. They're more than just advertisements—they're reminders of a different era and the people who experienced it.

Fortunately, this piece of roadside history still survives, making it well worth seeking out while exploring downtown Muskogee. 04-07

UPDATE: The building remains standing in downtown Muskogee, although the businesses occupying it have changed over the years. Thankfully, the Royal Crown Cola ghost sign still overlooks Main Street, continuing to tell a small piece of the town's commercial history. 06-26

Hudson Essex
Oklahoma City, OK
Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn

Check out this old ghost sign in Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley. Hudson-Essex is painted on one side of the building, while a large Chevrolet advertisement covers the other. It's a great reminder of when North Broadway was lined with automobile dealerships representing just about every make of car imaginable.

Built in 1923, the building originally served as a Hudson-Essex dealership before later becoming home to Chevrolet. Fortunately, both painted advertisements were left behind, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the neighborhood's automotive past. Ghost signs like these are one of the best parts of exploring old downtowns, where faded advertisements continue telling stories long after the businesses themselves are gone. 09-08

UPDATE: The former dealership has been beautifully restored as the Hudson Essex Building and now houses offices, but the historic ghost signs remain preserved on the exterior. They continue to be among the highlights of Oklahoma City's revitalized Automobile Alley district. 06-26