above photo: Gayle Alstrom
WHEN I last visited Port Richmond, Staten Island in 2018, I noticed what appeared to be several very old painted ads that I hadn’t noticed before. I was fooled into thinking they were the real McCoy briefly, but I have a good eye about this sort of thing and I soon came to the realization they were painted for movie sets, and what I was seeing were leftovers.
Gangland drama “Boardwalk Empire” shot numerous scenes in Staten Island, standing in for Atlantic City in which the show was set. In July 2013, scenes were shot in Port Richmond and so vintage autos were brought in, actors dressed in 1930s outfits, and ancient-looking painted ads were placed on properties. In addition, the show shot scenes in Richmondtown Restoration in 2012, installing vintage lamp masts with radial wave fixtures.
In the above photo, some of the old-looking signs are shown. They blend in well with the faded Wexler’s Hardware sign, which is left over from an actual business closed since at least 2019.
Close-ups of the “Boardwalk Empire” painted ads. Hopefully, I’ll return to Port Richmond soon to check on these and more “real” relics, of which there are many in the neighborhood, which has been nearly frozen in time since the rise of the Staten Island Mall in the 1970s and 1980s.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
2/20/26