Roofing crew turns up old advertising signs
By MARILYN JONES
A rare, old advertising sign for Tucker and Griffiths was donated this past week to Peabody Historical Museum by Peabody resident Wes Pitts.
Tucker and Griffiths Mercantile Company leased the building known as Mrs. Hopkin's building, on Lot 45. The building once housed the Peabody Gazette.
Tucker and Griffiths also had a business on the east side of the street in the former Kansas State Bank building and the rear part of the building. Griffiths sold his interest in the business in 1913 but the firm continued to use the old name. They relocated from Lot 54 to the Huffman building on the west side and reopened the old arch between the buildings. These buildings are now part of Baker Furniture. The front facades were changed in 1915.
Tucker sold his home at 308 Maple in approximately 1917 and became an oil speculator. He later moved to California and ownership was transferred to Orlando Joliffe. Tucker and Griffiths ceased to exist in the late 1920s.
The Tucker and Griffiths advertising sign was discovered while re-roofing Pitts' home, located at 510 N. Sycamore. The late Tom Snavely believed Pitts' house might by the oldest home in town, Pitts reported.
The house was built in several additions. After a recent hail storm necessitated a new roof, five layers of wooden and asphalt shingles were removed and it was discovered old metal advertising signs had been used to stop leaks.
Twenty signs were found, Pitts said, but most were in poor condition. A search is on for one sign, which apparently was in good condition, but was accidentally thrown away.
Peabody Historical Society urges anyone with items from Peabody's past to share their treasures. Items may be loaned or donated to the museums. Any items, even those in bad disrepair, can give clues to history.
