Worthington's Hidden Coca-Cola Sign to be Revived with $4,000 Pledge
A hidden piece of Worthington's advertising history has been uncovered and will be revived. The Coca-Cola ghost sign, at least 75 years old, was found on a building corner near Karl's TV & Appliance after being covered up by other signage for decades.
The sign was revealed in June 2025 when the Karl's TV & Appliance sign was removed for renovation preparations. Gail Holinka, chair of the Worthington Public Arts Commission, is leading the restoration effort to preserve its weathered appearance and bring back some old colors and details without making it look brand new.
Nancy Bennett, founder of the Walldogs and Coca-Cola sign expert, visited Worthington to examine the mural and perform spot cleaning. She said she was impressed with what they found, noting that the careful cleaning revealed more details in the old advertisement.
The restoration will not erase the decades of weathering that turned it into a ghost sign but rather make the faded advertisement easier to see. Coca-Cola has pledged $4,000 toward the restoration, which is estimated to cost approximately $10,000. The work is expected to take place in the spring or summer of next year.