Bull Durham
Rockford, IL
Photos courtesy Kelly Sullivan

It's hard to beat a classic Bull Durham ghost sign. Even after years of fading, the famous tobacco logo still stands out on the side of this old brick building in Rockford's Midtown District. 09-10.

Like many old painted walls, this one has more than one story to tell. A faded Coca-Cola advertisement overlaps part of the Bull Durham sign, creating the layered look that makes ghost signs so interesting. Every generation seemed to leave its mark on the same brick wall.

The Bull Durham brand was advertised all over America, but only a small number of these painted wall signs have managed to survive. That's what makes finding one like this so rewarding. It isn't just an old ad—it's a piece of everyday history that's quietly hung on while everything around it has changed.

I also like that this sign isn't perfect. The faded paint, worn brick, and overlapping artwork give it far more character than if it had been freshly restored. Sometimes a little wear tells the story better than a brand-new coat of paint ever could.

Take a few minutes to study the wall and you'll notice new details each time. The longer you look, the more the different layers begin to reveal themselves, making this one of those ghost signs that's worth more than a quick glance.

UPDATE: The building is still standing, and the Bull Durham ghost sign remains one of Rockford's better-known painted advertisements. It's another great reminder that some of the best roadside treasures are hiding on ordinary brick walls. 07-26