Sign for Crofut's Inn
Datebefore 1892
MediumPaint, probably pine board and moldings, iron hardware
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including hardware): 39 x 37 3/4in. (99.1 x 95.9cm)
Other (height x width of sign only): 37 3/4 x 37 3/4in. (95.9 x 95.9cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineCollection of Morgan B. Brainard, Gift of Mrs. Morgan B. Brainard
Object number1961.63.19
DescriptionImages: On both sides, rebus with a crow in a tree and a foot suspended from the sky, above a house.
Text: On both sides, "'s" to the right of the foot, and "INN" on the roof of the porch of the house.
Construction: Two boards, grain oriented horizontally, joined with a tongue-and-groove joint. Signboard is set within grooves of applied moldings, which are nailed to the edges and mitered at corners. Separate cove molding strips are applied to the inside recess between the signboard and frame, holding the signboard in place. No structural frame, no pediment or skirt.
Text: On both sides, "'s" to the right of the foot, and "INN" on the roof of the porch of the house.
Construction: Two boards, grain oriented horizontally, joined with a tongue-and-groove joint. Signboard is set within grooves of applied moldings, which are nailed to the edges and mitered at corners. Separate cove molding strips are applied to the inside recess between the signboard and frame, holding the signboard in place. No structural frame, no pediment or skirt.
Collections
Label TextThis sign features an unusual example of a rebus, or pictorial representation of a word or phrase. In this case, the crow and the foot in the sky and the building below represent ‘Crofut’s Inn.’ The sign itself may be from the late 1700s or early 1800s, but the paint on the surface is not as old. It is possible that Crofut’s father may have used the original signboard, as census records indicate he was operating a boarding house in 1880.
NotesHistorical Note: Original location. The Crofut Inn was located on the west side of Southbury Road (Rt. 67) in Oxford. The house was operated as an inn by the widowed Maria Louisa McEwen Wilcoxson, circa 1882-92. George E. Crofut bought the property in 1892 and continued operating it until at least 1911. The building was demolished during a highway widening about 1931.Status
On view
1814-1820
1790-1820
about 1823
