Way at the top of this building is an old Courier News sign, faded to the point where it is considered a "ghost sign."
Ghostly no more, it has been painted over. The logo with a hyphen predates the current one, that has no hyphen. A story, perhaps apocryphal, is that the name wouldn't fit on a sign at a local ballpark, so the hyphen was dropped.
The building housed Thomas Furniture for many years. Today the marquee was being removed.
Perhaps the most fascinating sight of all was this marquee, which reads "Frost Building A.D. 1909" and places the building in the heyday of downtown commerce.
If anything should be preserved, surely this hidden but very historic element deserves it. Preservation of the ghost sign was part of the plan for the building, but who knew about this marquee?
I was downtown on an errand to the bank despite being sick with a bad cold and so could not zip over to the Plainfield Room in the Plainfield Public Library to look up this building in a city directory from the era.
Oh well. I will pass on my photos at some point and will also try to learn what I can about the Frost Building.
--Bernice
What is going to be in that building
ReplyDeleteApartments upstairs, stores or some commercial use downstairs.
DeleteWow Bernice, that is awesome! I was just by there and missed it when I drove past. I am so glad it is Landmark and not Paramount! A little power washing and the marquee will look amazing! I cant wait to see when it is finished.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Jeff!
DeleteBernice, As one who loves history also and the desire to preserve it, let me ask though "what has been accomplished by allowing that dilapidated house on Terrill Rd near Cushing Rd sit there these many years ?
ReplyDeleteDo you think they'' have another outstanding Dollar store.
ReplyDeleteHistorical Courier News Building
ReplyDelete226-232 Park Avenue, Plainfield
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