#100bostonsigns

[100bostonsigns]

Here on the on Southern Artery in Quincy is the very first Dunkin’ Donuts. Back when it opened in 1950, coffee was sold for a dime and a script sign of the original logo was displayed over the door. In subsequent years the store went through several renovations, lost its uniqueness, and looked like all the other DD's out there. But in 2011, the shop went back to its roots and did a retro-renovation and replicated the original sign.

[100bostonsigns]

This spot on Congress Avenue in Chelsea was a longstanding home to the popular El Dorado Bakery until it was destroyed by fire in late 2013. The brick wall of the adjacent building was exposed once the charred remains were removed, revealing an amazing Pillsbury painted ghost sign which had been unseen for decades.

[100bostonsigns]

McDonald’s on Gallivan Boulevard in Dorchester still has the rare giant “M” sign that extends to the ground in front of the restaurant. Apparently it is one of only two @McDonalds left in the state to have this double-arch style (the other is in North Hampton, MA).

[100bostonsigns]

For decades Arthur Sparr owned and operated this drug store/medical supply shop/luncheonette around the corner from Boston's famous hospitals in the Longwood medical area. It was one of the few places on earth where you could shop for a stethoscope while waiting for your turkey club. He closed the business in 2002 and the building was eventually sold to Harvard Medical School. Luckily this high-quality ghost sign remains.

[100bostonsigns]

This old brick building in Cambridge now houses a dentist and tanning salon, but still reveals a sign of yesteryear as a reminder where you could go to get top-notch french bread pizza and scali rolls.

[100bostonsigns]

Where everybody knows your name.