Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Scythes & Co Ghost Sign


I spotted this ghost sign last fall while walking along the railpath. I have since discovered that Scythes & Co, which started in 1910, is still in this same building although they are now a huge manufacturer of flags and banners and have rebranded themselves as Flying Colours International. Funny how a business can develop and change through the years!
Taking part in Signs, Signs. For more signs click here.

33 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

Interesting they changed the company's name! Maybe someone bought the company out and then changed it? Well, good them for still being around!

Jack said...

It is a striking building and sign. Walking the railroad tracks, RedPat? Are things OK up there?

Lesley said...

Interesting business they had - cotton and wool waste!

VioletSky said...

Wouldn't it be funny if no one in the building remember this sign was still there?

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

I love to see these painted signs on old buildings -- wonderful that this one is still in operation in the same place -- that is rare!

LĂșcia said...

It's interesting we still can see the old painted sign. :)

Halcyon said...

I love these ghost signs. This one is well-preserved.

Photo Cache said...

they are probably growing with the times.

SIGNS

Deb said...

Great post RedPat. Scyco waste sounds something to be avoided at all costs. I have not heard the term ghost sign before but it is a perfect description of this kind of building plus old advertising. Oh you have set me thinking, we have lots of ghost signs in York!

Pat said...

I'm surprised they haven't painted over their old name, although I DO kind of like the look of this!

Kay L. Davies said...

I love ghost signs. History without the lessons. LOL
K

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

Amazing that they were able to rebrand themselves, think of all the jobs saved. I love these old ghost signs, we have a lot of them too, and I try to capture them when I can. Nice shot.

Lowell said...

I love these fading signs and photograph them every chance I get. What's really amazing that the same company occupies the building, even though they it has a different name!

Jim said...

I love seeing these sorts of signs. Great shot.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Dianne said...

I love all that old red brick!
that's when buildings were buildings

your POV is perfect
the shadow and the green below and blue above are all lovely details

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

The ghostly signs contribute their own little bit to the history of the place and the company.
Lovely capture, Pat.

Regina K said...

KC has lots of old brick buildings with signs painted and over painted on their sides. I love them.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I think it's brilliant that they didn't paint over this, preserving the original signage! You do spot some very interesting things on your walks Red.

Kim, USA said...

This just shows that nothing will last in this lifetime. ^_^

Signs

Paul in Powell River said...

Nice one! I think it's great that after over 100 years they're still in the same place - name change or not, that's continuity!

Randy said...

I love that old building and it's character.

Ebie said...

That's a good and profitable business, surviving since the 1900's. Bow!

Lindy said...

Considering the age of the company, their ghost sign still looks to be in pretty good condition!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Rebranding and re-inventing...like pre-empting re-cycling concepts! It is so rare to hear of this! Some companies may expand into related business interests, but not completely overturn the original concept! Great find!

geoffsteen said...

Fantastic! I remember seeing one very similar in St Thomas, Ontario.

Andy said...

Ghost signs are my favourite.

Kitty said...

I really love signs like these, not sure why, maybe because they are signs of history.
nice catch.

Sharon said...

What a great slice of history! I love finding things like this.

Mo said...

I'm always attracted to buildings with faded signs like these. Neon just isn't the same.

Sam Roberts (Ghostsigns) said...

Ghostsigns from the UK and around the world here.

Unknown said...

I really like faded signs on walls and this one is no exception.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

I love the name "ghost sign." It makes the finds even more interesting.

Shelley said...

I use to work at Scythes & Co. pre 1975, great place to work, We sold all sorts of material to various manufacturers, from Flag makers to Awning makers. Sorry to see it has closed down now.