Collection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard 1961.63.5 Photograph by Dav ...

Sign for Baker's Inn

Date1820-1838

MediumPaint on pine board, ash or chestnut posts

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including hardware): 29 3/4 x 22 3/4in. (75.6 x 57.8cm) Other (height x width of sign only): 29 1/2 x 22 1/2in. (74.9 x 57.2cm)

ClassificationsPainting

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

Object number1961.63.5

DescriptionImages: None
Text: on both sides: "ENTERTAI / MENT / BY/ C. BAKER."; no underlying text
Construction: Single board, grain oriented vertically; single, square rails; turned, columnar posts. A one-inch wide strip has been nailed to one vertical edge of the board, evidently to widen it. Board is joined to each rail with three through tenons set into open mortices. Rails have single, shouldered tenons mortised through posts, wedged and single pinned. No pediment or skirt.

Collections

Tavern and Inn Signs

Label TextAlthough conventional in form, Baker’s sign is almost modernist in its use of geometrical forms, reduction of color, and random division of a word to fit into a vertical format. In contrast to some other simple signs, the lettering has been measured and arranged carefully.

NotesTechnique Note: The lettering displays a rust-colored staining, evidently a chemical reaction and possibly related to a salt air environment.

Historical Note: Original location. Located in New London County, in southeastern Connecticut, probably on one of the roads between New London and Colchester. The relative frequency of contemporary notices suggests that Baker's inn was not as well-frequented as the other Montville inn, Houghton's, which was located a mile north of Uncasville and prospered as the half-way stop between New London and Norwich.

Status

On view