After restoring two “ghost murals” from the 1950s on the sides of Pitts Street Treasures earlier this year, local artist Olga Deshields now has her sights set on the J.E. Parker building.
The old Berlin Opera House downtown is pictured with what is now a “ghost mural” displayed on its side.
Courtesy photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
The recreation of yet another historic advertising mural is planned for downtown Berlin.
After restoring two “ghost murals” from the 1950s on the sides of the Pitts Street building Pitts Street Treasures earlier this year, local artist Olga Deshields now has her sights set on the J.E. Parker building’s “Berlin Opera House Moving Picture Shows” painted display. The effort, funded by an $8,000 grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, is to remain connected and pay homage to the town’s past.
“We are so excited to see these iconic Berlin murals from the 1950s come back to life,” reads a spring Facebook post from the Town of Berlin Main Street Arts and Entertainment District.
The old Berlin Opera House building is pictured today downtown.
Courtesy photo
Roughly two years ago, Berlin Historic District Commission member John Holloway suggested that the town restore faded promotional murals to enhance the area’s ancient charm. He was inspired after seeing the old painted advertisement for the G.M. Dryden General Merchandise store retouched in Snow Hill.
Berlin Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells asked residents and business owners on social media to share any old photos they may have of the designated buildings before the murals faded to facilitate the initiative.
“Restoring the faded ‘ghost mural’ advertisement is crucial as it revives a piece of our town’s history and preserves the story of our community for generations to come,” Wells said in April.
Deshields started that month with the American Sales Co. ad on the sides of a Pitts Street building with the help of reference photos from 1959.
Now, the Parker building mural is set to be restored, elevating the historic character of downtown Berlin even further.
“We are looking forward to working with the Berlin Historic District Commission, and a special thank you goes to John Holloway for the suggestion and vintage photo,” a Facebook post from the Town of Berlin’s Main Street & Arts and Entertainment District’s page reads.
There is no timetable at this point as to when the restoration will begin.