Hillman’s Pure Foods Ghost Sign in Chicago

I spotted this ghost terrazzo entry for the former Hillman’s Pure Foods on West Devon Ave. in the West Ridge neighborhood on the far North side of Chicago.

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Top 10 VisuaLingual Posts of 2014

As this blog embarks on its seventh year, a lot has changed, from my own interests to yours in seeking out information here. Each year, I’ve documented the ten most popular posts of the year, and the 2014 batch contains its share of surprises.

Looking Back: Best VL Posts of 2014

It’s the end of yet another awesome year — our travels took us to National Parks, site-specific installations, and quirky museums, and through some incredible buildings. We started the year in Denver, where we peeped Colorado Crush, an annual celebration of hip hop culture.

Elsewhere

The Things We Want to Give (Our 2014 Gift Guide): The Wire Cutter likes our 10 Seed Bombs with Slinger.

Zula Owner Opening New Concept in Over-the-Rhine: your moment of LOL for today is “a nod to the iconic New York bar CBGB.”

‘Rebirth of Over-the Rhine’ Film in Works: I’m already looking forward to watching this and suspending judgment until I do.

Finding Vivian Maier: speaking of documentaries, a reminder to myself to seek out the Vivian Maier documentary one of these days.

Enter the 1966 Subway System, through Photographer Danny Lyon’s Lens: ancient NYC subway history!

The Fight to Preserve a Model Public Housing Project: just that, in Chicago.

California Screaming: “The tech industry made the Bay Area rich. Why do so many residents hate it?”

Seguro de Auto/United Ghost Sign in Chicago

Spotted on 18th St. in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago — a ghost sign for Seguro de Auto and United. I’m not sure if this was one hand-painted sign or two.

Hobart Building by Willis Polk

Designed by Willis Polk, completed in 1914 and now celebrating its centennial, the Hobart Building is located at 582 Market St. on the edge of the Financial District in downtown San Francisco.

Chicago Board of Trade by Holabird & Root

What have we here? Have I uncovered another glorious Art Deco hotel bar? Nope, this is the unnecessarily glamorous Chicago Board of Trade building, designed by Holabird & Root and erected in 1930.

Llay Ghost Sign in Chicago

Obviously, this was a grander entryway and a longer name at one point, but all that remains now is Llay and the street number, at 2514 West Devon Ave. in the West Ridge neighborhood on the far North side of Chicago.

Noted without Comment

Spotted in a store in Chicago: a restroom sign. I’m not going to make any cracks about this; you tell me.

Aronson Furniture/Dollar Buster Plus Ghost Signs in Chicago

A ghost sign duo at 1379 North Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood: the older, hand-painted Aronson Furniture [a.k.a. muebleria] and the more recent, less distinguished Dollar Buster Plus.