Hand-Painted Framed Advertisement Display
Written by Mike Spratt
Well, this framed advertisement display was a most pleasant surprise that ended up in our archives. It was found in a basement, hanging on the wall and covered in cobwebs. Its owner generously donated it to us.
So, what do we have here? First, it is an advertising display of businesses in a 45” by 30” glass frame. The whole thing has been hand painted! There are 20 different establishments identified, from an “undertaker,” Loyal B. Young, to a “beer distributor,” Egnac Miladan. Some have phone numbers — 3 digits or less — some none at all. Most are located in New Brighton, but some are as far away as West Aliquippa. We don’t think any of them are in business today.
So where was this piece of advertising before it was in a basement? We think it hung on a local bar wall so that the patrons would be inclined to visit when not in the bar. Some of the names are familiar to “us the old timers” — Economy Market (notice not supermarket), Loyal B. Young (a funeral director but not allowed by state law to say so), Ludwig’s (his nickname was “Red”), Fritz’s Market, Jacob Ours, Egnac Miladin… many of us remember them, but there are many on this sign that we don’t recognize.
Help us identify these businesses:
Send us an email about any you may remember
If you have a picture of the business, let us make a copy or you may donate it to the archives.
If you have any artifacts from the business, you may donate it to help future generations remember these businesses.
The New Brighton Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of our borough. If you have something you think is important to the history of the borough, please contact us. If you’re unsure, reach out and we will be happy to help you do some research.