County

[31] Dubuque Co, IA

Sides Painted

Color

Brown

Structure

Brick Building

Unique Characteristics

Unique Sign

Still Standing

Yes, Greatly faded

Credits

Photos 1 & 2 by Dr. Ken Jones (2013).

Photo 3 Google street view (Aug. 2018).

Photo 4 Google street view (Aug. 2025).

Photo 5 Google satellite image.

Other Information

Dr. Jones revealed hidden advertising on faded ghost signs primarily through a highly detailed photographic mosaic and digital stitching technique, which he adapted from his past experience as a NASA imaging expert mapping the surface of Mars.

Where to find it

Along the southwest side of Central Ave. right at the intersection with E 20th St, in Dubuque. The Spear Head Plug sign faces northwest. One side. Three story brick building. Brown background. Greatly faded.

Address

1965 Central Ave

City

Dubuque

State

Zipcode

52001

Country

USA

Latitude

N 42° 30.6640'

Longitude

W -90° 40.2019'

lat

42.511066

lng

-90.670031