Hand Painted Historic Ghost Signs in Downtown Antioch

The Village of Antioch has partnered with the Lakes Region Historical Society to tell the story of historic downtown businesses. A “ghost sign” is an old hand-painted advertising sign that has been preserved on e building for an extended period of time. The Ghosted initiative includes preserving one existing ghost sign, and creating a handful of new signs inspired by Antioch’s past.

Learn more about the history of each sign below!

A painter working on hand painting a ghost sign outside of Something Sweet in Downtown Antioch

Gambles Hardware & Appliances
954 Main Street

Rudy Eckert opened his franchise hardware store, Gambles, at this location 1934, which he ran for over 38 years.

Reeves Drug Store
901 Main Street

Reeves Drug Store operated within the Thayer building at 901 Main Street from 1926 to 1983.

Scott’s Dairy
891 Main Street

Scott's Dairy was owned by Walter Scott, one time Chief of Police and Superintendent of the Department of Public Works for the Village.

William’s Brothers Department Store
910 Main Street

In 1891, the Williams brothers, Daniel and Edgar, opened a large, modern department store at 910 Main Street.

Image of old police station in Downtown Antioch.

Downtown Antioch
884 Main Street

This red brick building which houses the Chamber of Commerce was constructed for the former Police Station.

We hope to add to our collection of ghost signs in future years, as well as explore other methods to honor Antioch’s history!