Sign for Hemingway's Tavern and Churchill's Inn
Dateabout 1836
MediumPaint on pine board, smalt, sand or fine-grained smalt, possibly gold leaf, iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including hardware): 31 3/8 x 44 1/2in. (79.7 x 113cm)
Other (height x width of sign only): 25 5/8 x 44 1/2in. (65.1 x 113cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.63.16
DescriptionImages: None.
Text: On both sides, inside top of oval, "L.CHURCHILL,S" over ""HEMINGWAY", inside bottom of oval, "INN", over "TAVERN", in center of oval, "1838" over "STORE." / and"
Construction: Single board, grain oriented horizontally, cut to oval shape. Applied banding with bead-molded edge (3/8") is nailed to outer edge of board. The banding is an unidentified, resinous wood, possibly a pine. Coiled C-scroll flourishes made of machine-rolled sheet-iron are nailed into the top and bottom edges of the sign.
Text: On both sides, inside top of oval, "L.CHURCHILL,S" over ""HEMINGWAY", inside bottom of oval, "INN", over "TAVERN", in center of oval, "1838" over "STORE." / and"
Construction: Single board, grain oriented horizontally, cut to oval shape. Applied banding with bead-molded edge (3/8") is nailed to outer edge of board. The banding is an unidentified, resinous wood, possibly a pine. Coiled C-scroll flourishes made of machine-rolled sheet-iron are nailed into the top and bottom edges of the sign.
Collections
Label TextTwo names on this sign, one painted over the other, tie this sign first to the town of Plymouth and then to Harwinton. The first owner, Allen Hemingway of Plymouth, held a tavern license only from 1836-1837. He evidently sold the sign to Lewis Churchill, who was licensed in Harwinton, the town north of Plymouth, in 1838.
NotesObject Note: An incomplete restoration attempted at an unknown date prior to 1939 removed much of the upper layer of paint on side 2, partially exposing the earlier decoration.Status
On view
1850-1900
