This photo was sent to me by the fabulous DJ Nico, who took this photo in 2002 long before Lister Block was renovated to its current immaculate state.
As a new Hamiltonian, I was not able to have the pleasure of seeing this sign myself, let alone know anything about the Ann Foster Music Shop, which was located downtown in the Lister Block shopping arcade in the space where Tourism Hamilton is now situated. Some research online quickly lead me back to the always-interesting chronicles of CBC Hamilton's Paul Wilson, who shares my interest in historic buildings, signage and local history. This piece of Wilson's from last summer tells the tale of Ann Foster, a pianist who opened her shop dealing in records, instruments and sheet music in 1942. After Ann suffered a heart attack in 1969, an employee took over the shop and ran it until 1995 when Lister closed down and was threatened to be demolished.
I'm sad to have not seen this wall sign for myself, but I love what I see here-- the simple cut letters, signature-like typeface, and minimal colour scheme that might take its inspiration from piano keys. This sign perhaps gives us a little glimpse into the character of the mythic Ms. Foster.
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