No doubt you’ve seen this “fading ad” on the east wall of a building on Middagh Street, facing towards Henry. The word “flats” dates it. It once meant roughly what “apartment” means now, but there is some dispute over possible distinctions.

This sign is an example of a “fading ad”, one of many painted on walls of buildings throughout Brooklyn (and other places) years ago, which are the subject of Frank Jump’s blog. Mr. Jump will present a program on “Fading Ads of Brooklyn” this Wednesday, February 15, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street (corner of Clinton). Admission is $10, or $8 for BHS members. Tickets may be purchased here, or at the door. This program is part of BHS’ Inventing Brooklyn series.