This is a palimpsest - a ghost sign showing multiple worn ads painted on each other. This specific sign has two layers; One we were able to revive, and the other undiscernible. Learn more below about the building owner and business that advertised at 320 Fore Street.
Building
Built ~1849
Mary & Samuel Rutchick
The City of Portland Planning & Development assessment documents indicate that Samuel and Mary Rutchick owned the ten-room dwelling and two stores at 320 Fore Street in Old Port, Portland, Maine, in 1924.
It's impressive to see how the building, built back in roughly 1849, managed to withstand the Great Fire of 1866. Even after 174 years, it still stands strong, which makes the assessment statement "Age: very old" rather amusing.
Business
Custom House Wharf
Williams Bros. Co.
Williams Bros. Co. operated a machine shop and storeroom specializing in electric welding equipment, portable machines, drills, engine, and boiler repair on Custom House Wharf, Portland waterfront.
The advertisement, visible on the Pearl Street side of the building, featured a large painted arrow indicating the availability of these services just a few blocks away.
