Swing

One of the earliest forms of storefront advertising was the swing sign. Proprietors of 19^th century businesses frequently hung a painted or wood carved sign above their door, projecting over the sidewalk for pedestrian passersby. Prior to the advent of the automobile in the early 20^th century, swing signs were one of the primary forms of storefront advertising. Swing signs persisted into the 20^th century but usually as one of a multitude of signs covering the central business district.

Swing Sign: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the Vermont Historical Society