Tradies uncover chilling secret in home renovation as hidden piece of history emerges
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During a routine renovation, a group of tradespeople made an unexpected discovery hidden beneath layers of an old building’s exterior.
What began as a standard job quickly became a glimpse into the past as they uncovered a faded inscription etched into the brickwork, its origins stretching back decades.
The worn lettering, barely visible after years of exposure, hinted at a long-forgotten time. Though details remain unclear, the find serves as a quiet reminder of the histories that linger beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
The tradespeople were in the process of removing a metallic sign from the 1970s when they uncovered the word ‘Undertaker’ chiselled into the brick rendering.
It was accompanied by a six-digit telephone number—a format long since replaced by eight-digit numbers in Australia.
This unexpected discovery sent ripples of excitement through the local community.
Many residents desired the sign to remain visible as a nod to the building's storied past.
Ghost signs are faded advertisements or signs painted on buildings that have survived the test of time.
They offer a window into the commercial and cultural life of bygone eras, often advertising products and services that are no longer available or have since evolved.
In this case, the term 'undertaker' refers to a time when the role was more closely associated with the physical handling of the deceased before transitioning to the more modern term 'funeral director.’
The building, which once served as a bank, became the site of Hollibone Funerals, established by a World War I returned serviceman in 1930.
The sign was refreshed during a renovation in the 1950s, and the funeral home remained in operation by three generations of the Hollibone family until it was sold in 2006.
Glenn Hollibone, the last family member to run the business, shared his surprise and delight at the local community's interest in the ghost sign.
Despite spending much of his childhood in the funeral parlour, Glenn never encountered anything supernatural, attributing his comfort around the deceased to his father's wisdom:
'It's the living that'll hurt you, not the dead.'
The legacy of Hollibone Funerals lives on under the ownership of Allison Monkhouse Funeral Directors.
The larger family-owned company continues some traditions that began 90 years ago.
Glenn Hollibone's philosophy that funerals must be conducted with the utmost care, as there is no opportunity for a do-over, remains a guiding principle for the staff.
The renovation revealed more than just the ghost sign; the interior of the building also held secrets of its own.
Kevin Reardon, a funeral director at Allison Monkhouse, recounted finding writing on the walls.
He also discovered that some floor stumps were tin cans filled with sand, highlighting past construction practices.
Adjacent to the undertaker sign, another advertisement for Nugget Polish was also uncovered.
Both have been preserved behind a new timber sign for future generations to rediscover.
Sean Reynolds, an American expat interested in ghost signs, documented the find and shared his fascination with these ephemeral pieces of history in his book 'Melbourne Ghost Signs.'
The community's passion for preserving such signs is evident, with many Seddon locals expressing disappointment at the thought of the sign being covered up again.
While there's a possibility that the sign may be revealed once more, Sean reflects on the transient nature of these signs, acknowledging that their survival is often a matter of chance.
Have you ever come across a ghost sign in your local area? What memories or feelings did it evoke? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
What began as a standard job quickly became a glimpse into the past as they uncovered a faded inscription etched into the brickwork, its origins stretching back decades.
The worn lettering, barely visible after years of exposure, hinted at a long-forgotten time. Though details remain unclear, the find serves as a quiet reminder of the histories that linger beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered.
The tradespeople were in the process of removing a metallic sign from the 1970s when they uncovered the word ‘Undertaker’ chiselled into the brick rendering.
It was accompanied by a six-digit telephone number—a format long since replaced by eight-digit numbers in Australia.
This unexpected discovery sent ripples of excitement through the local community.
A historic 'ghost sign' was uncovered during the renovation of an old funeral home, sparking renewed local interest. Credit: SShepard
Many residents desired the sign to remain visible as a nod to the building's storied past.
Ghost signs are faded advertisements or signs painted on buildings that have survived the test of time.
They offer a window into the commercial and cultural life of bygone eras, often advertising products and services that are no longer available or have since evolved.
In this case, the term 'undertaker' refers to a time when the role was more closely associated with the physical handling of the deceased before transitioning to the more modern term 'funeral director.’
The building, which once served as a bank, became the site of Hollibone Funerals, established by a World War I returned serviceman in 1930.
The sign was refreshed during a renovation in the 1950s, and the funeral home remained in operation by three generations of the Hollibone family until it was sold in 2006.
Glenn Hollibone, the last family member to run the business, shared his surprise and delight at the local community's interest in the ghost sign.
Despite spending much of his childhood in the funeral parlour, Glenn never encountered anything supernatural, attributing his comfort around the deceased to his father's wisdom:
'It's the living that'll hurt you, not the dead.'
The legacy of Hollibone Funerals lives on under the ownership of Allison Monkhouse Funeral Directors.
The larger family-owned company continues some traditions that began 90 years ago.
Glenn Hollibone's philosophy that funerals must be conducted with the utmost care, as there is no opportunity for a do-over, remains a guiding principle for the staff.
The renovation revealed more than just the ghost sign; the interior of the building also held secrets of its own.
Kevin Reardon, a funeral director at Allison Monkhouse, recounted finding writing on the walls.
He also discovered that some floor stumps were tin cans filled with sand, highlighting past construction practices.
Adjacent to the undertaker sign, another advertisement for Nugget Polish was also uncovered.
Both have been preserved behind a new timber sign for future generations to rediscover.
Sean Reynolds, an American expat interested in ghost signs, documented the find and shared his fascination with these ephemeral pieces of history in his book 'Melbourne Ghost Signs.'
The community's passion for preserving such signs is evident, with many Seddon locals expressing disappointment at the thought of the sign being covered up again.
While there's a possibility that the sign may be revealed once more, Sean reflects on the transient nature of these signs, acknowledging that their survival is often a matter of chance.
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