Sign for Williams's Inn
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Benjamin Williams
(American)
Date1803-1826
MediumPaint on pine board, unidentified hardwood columns, possibly maple, gold leaf, iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including hardware): 57 3/4 x 35 1/8in. (146.7 x 89.2cm)
Other (height x width of sign only): 54 3/4 x 35 1/8in. (139.1 x 89.2cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.63.48
DescriptionImages: On side 1, exterior scene of stage coach with two horses, off-center in oval outline, over a central rising sun. On side 2, interior scene of one man seated at a table with decanters and drinking glasses (presently illegible but documented photographically in 1900).
Text: On both sides, in pediment, "1826." over "1803"; in name band below image, "H.W." over earlier initials, not decipherable.
Construction: Two boards, grain oriented vertically. Thin, bullnosed, horizontal rails, and fluted, columnar posts. The two boards are joined with four dowels, which appear to be original. The frame is ornamental rather than structural, and is unusual in that it is not tenoned together. Instead, the posts pass through square holes in the rails, which are held in place by nails. Pediment is a separate board, grain oriented horizontally, hand-sawn to create decorative profile and nailed to top rail. Applied moldings, mitered at corners, are nailed to both faces of board. Thin bullnose strips are nailed to side edges of board.
Text: On both sides, in pediment, "1826." over "1803"; in name band below image, "H.W." over earlier initials, not decipherable.
Construction: Two boards, grain oriented vertically. Thin, bullnosed, horizontal rails, and fluted, columnar posts. The two boards are joined with four dowels, which appear to be original. The frame is ornamental rather than structural, and is unusual in that it is not tenoned together. Instead, the posts pass through square holes in the rails, which are held in place by nails. Pediment is a separate board, grain oriented horizontally, hand-sawn to create decorative profile and nailed to top rail. Applied moldings, mitered at corners, are nailed to both faces of board. Thin bullnose strips are nailed to side edges of board.
Collections
Label TextAs road conditions improved, stagecoaches made travel easier and more affordable for more people. Stagecoaches traveled predetermined routes at scheduled times (like public buses today) and typically carried 9-12 people crowded onto 3 or 4 bench seats. Women travelled by coach but rarely without a male escort. The image on this sign, however, was apparently designed for a horizontal sign format—oops!
NotesTechnique Note: The ground of the upper paint layer is gray-white. The dotted oval outlines continue onto edges of adjacent moldings. The underlying layer of paint on the pediment featured an elaborate foliage design, now painted over. Historical Note: Original location. Located in Centerbrook center, along the Middlesex turnpike, which ran from Hartford to Saybrook, and about a mile and one-half west of the Connecticut River landings.
Status
On view
1827-1836
