What are ghost signs? They’re the old painted advertisements on brick buildings that once promoted local businesses. Many of Nashville’s have faded with time, but we looked into the stories behind four of them.
Gruhn Guitars, 400 Broadway
In 1970, George Gruhn opened GTR Incorporated on 4th Avenue after encouragement from Hank Williams Jr. Named for partners George Gruhn, Tut Taylor, and Randy Wood — and for the word “guitar” — the shop later became Gruhn Guitars. After 15 years at 410 Broadway, the shop moved a few doors down to 400 Broadway, where its ghost sign can still be seen today. The business now operates at 2120 8th Ave. S.
Lawrence Record Shop, 409 Broadway
Lawrence Record Shop, known for its country and bluegrass vinyl, opened on Lower Broadway in 1954 and operated until 2016. The building was acquired by Johnny Cash Museum founder Bill Miller and transformed into Nudie’s Honky Tonk that stands today. Don’t run out to see it just yet — the ghost sign is now hidden behind JBJ’s Nashville.
Marathon Motor Works, 1200 Clinton St.
Constructed in 1881 for Nashville Cotton Mills, Marathon Motor Works (formerly known as Southern Engine and Boiler Works) purchased the building in 1910 after the company moved from Jackson, TN. The factory produced automobiles until 1914, and today the site is known as Marathon Village.
If you know more about this sign, send us a message. | Photo by Brent Moore via Flickr
Yorke Men’s Shop, The Arcade
This one is somewhat of a mystery. Tucked in an alley near The Peanut Shop, the Yorke Men’s Shop sign was reportedly hidden before being uncovered around 2019. The lettering once advertised a men’s clothier that operated in the Arcade.
