There are newly uncovered“ ghost signs” on several of the downtown businesses in Marlow, some discovered in just the past two years. Ghost signs date to the 1880s to the 1950s. They earn their name because they are faded, but were originally hand-painted to promote a business or product. Usually they were painted on the brick exteriors. While most of the businesses are no longer existing, the ghost signs serve as a reminder to the early origins of a community.
Comanche has one of the most recognizable ghost signs in Stephens County: a Dr. Pepper mural. A few years ago, it received a new paint job to help preserve it for another century or more. Many ghost signs have been hidden by newer facades, or were lost when buildings were demolished.
Also in Comanche, you can find more on the history of oil and its importance to this region. A sign can be seen as you enter the town traveling US-81 heading north to south.
Plan a scavenger hunt with your children, or friends and family. Take some time to explore. It doesn’ t have to be all in one day.
THE DR. PEPPER MURAL IN COMANCHE RECENTLY RECEIVED A NEW PAINT JOB TO HELP PRE- SERVE THE MURAL FOR ANOTHER CENTURY OR MORE TO COME.
( LEFT AND ABOVE) THE COMANCHE OILFIELD AND DISCOVERY WELL, FIRST DRILLED IN AUG. 29, 1918, CAN STILL BE SEEN IN COMANCHE.( BELOW) MARKERS IN COMANCHE AT THE CENTENNIAL PLAZA TELL MORE ABOUT THE AREA’ S HISTORY.