Ceramic Tile

Around the turn of the century, storefront awnings increased in popularity. The awnings often blocked the pedestrian's view of the signs above the storefront. Therefore, advertising took to street level. A more rare form of advertising, often used in conjunction with window displays, was the ceramic tile floor. Emphasis on the window display was particularly heavy following WWI. In order to increase window space, entrances were often recessed. The floor of the entry space could then be decorated with ceramic tile spelling out the business name.

Ceramic Tile Sign: Image courtesy of Diana Burant, Building Signs: A History that Defines their Historical Significance in the Commercial Streetscape, 1993