Collection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard, 1961.63.18 Photograph by Dav ...

Sign for Cady's Hotel

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Hezekiah Cady (American, 1785 - 1857)

Dateabout 1820

MediumPaint on pine board, ash or hickory strapping

DimensionsOther (height x width of sign only): 32 3/8 x 44 3/4in. (82.2 x 113.7cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard

Object number1961.63.18

DescriptionImages: on side 1: four horses pulling a stage coach, over a square and compass
Text: on both sides: "H. CADY'S HOTEL." over [J. Converse / HOTEL]
Construction: Two boards, grain oriented horizontally; joined by three inset, or floating, tenons; assemblage cut into oval shape. Wood banding is nailed around the outside of the entire sign; no structural frame.

Collections

Tavern and Inn Signs

NotesTechnique Note: Weathering has worn away the upper image so severely that it is difficult to untangle from the remains of a completely different paint scheme underneath. The Cady text, set within a black name band at the bottom of the oval, covers border decoration that is integral to the design and layout of the Converse Hotel image, thus establishing Converse as the earlier name. Similarly, the deteriorated picture of four horses pulling a stage coach lies over the faint outlines of a large compass and square-Masonic symbols that were part of the earlier Converse scheme.

Historical Note: Original location. Cady's hotel was located along the Rhode Island and Connecticut Central Turnpike, chartered in 1825, with tollgates on the western and eastern sides of Gloucester. The western tollgate was opposite Cady's hotel.

Status

Not on view