Royal Crown Cola
Muskogee, OK
Photo 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. 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 the Hudson-Essex ghost sign in Oklahoma City’s Automobile Alley. A Chevrolet advertisement covers another wall, giving this former dealership two reminders of its automotive past.

Built in 1923, the building served Hudson-Essex before Chevrolet moved in. Both painted advertisements survived, recalling the days when North Broadway offered quite a selection of new cars. 09-08

UPDATE: The restored Hudson Essex Building now houses offices. Its preserved ghost signs remain highlights of Automobile Alley, advertising cars that left the showroom long ago. 06-26