Wrigley Chewing Gum
Garden Grove, CA
Photo courtesy Rene Carrasco

A building was knocked down recently in Garden Grove and uncovered what appears to be an old Wrigley Chewing Gum ghost sign on the adjacent building. Many thanks to Rene Carrasco for info. 03-08

Painted on brick along historic Main Street, the sign advertises “Wrigley’s P.K. Chewing Sweet.” Its appearance suggests the 1920s or 1930s, when hand-painted wall advertisements were a familiar way to introduce a product to passing customers. Before plastic panels and illuminated channel letters, a broad brick wall offered plenty of advertising space.

Wrigley’s chewing-gum business dates to 1891, growing from William Wrigley Jr.’s early work selling soap and baking powder. Gum offered as a promotional extra proved popular enough to become the main business. Eventually, the name appeared on everything from small packages at the counter to enormous advertisements overlooking city streets.

Wrigley Chewing Gum
Garden Grove, CA
Photo courtesy Rene Carrasco

Main Street has other ghost stories, too. Paranormal investigators have explored accounts associated with the nearby Gem Theatre and Azteca restaurant. This particular ghost, however, returned with painted lettering rather than footsteps in an empty room. A much easier apparition to photograph.

UPDATE: The advertisement was documented after its rediscovery in early 2008. A reminder to look at the newly exposed walls when an old building disappears. Occasionally, the past has another advertisement waiting underneath, still trying to sell a little chewing gum after all those years. 10-26