When I last visited the Connecticut Historical Society, they had an exhibition of inn's signs. In the 1700s, every city and town was required to have an inn where travelers could stay for the night. Because many travelers were illiterate, the inns identified themselves by the paintings on their signs.
22 comments:
We are probably going back to this...
Very cool exhibit! I love these old signs.
I wonder what they do for all the illiterate people in Connecticut these days?
But the problem is worse in Florida. A majority of the people can't read so they didn't know they elected a criminal as governor and now they're paying for it! Oh, boy, we're all paying for it.
Re the driver you mentioned that should be broken in half and tossed: Why would you say that? I hit a great drive here (well, on my 2nd try) but ended up in front of a huge tree - very unfair)...
Actually, I was just trying to be artsy. How come when I try to be artsy my pictures just look dumb? I dunno. :-)
I am sure this was an interesting exhibit. I'm not sure that a picture of a lion would equal a good place to sleep in my mind. But maybe things have changed since the "old days". :)
I love the picture of the lion, although I do agree with Halcyon that maybe it doesn't scream out, "spend the night here".
Maybe it's a guard lion.
What a great collection! These would be fun to see.
I love them! Ornate wooden signs are one way to make a street much more attractive (and draw in customers). I can only imagine how neat it must have been to see all of these signs hanging from the fronts of their buildings.
I love them all, simply do love these painted signs!
I used to collect them too (in pictures!) because they were disappearing.. And now, they seem to be back..Great idea to have collected and kept them! little treasures of every day life..
Lol @ VP but he could be right. That's a fantastic collection, a couple of those would look good on a kitchen wall.
Re. your question on VDP: the roof is slate so the blue hue comes from the light.
Love these signs! A picture is worth........!
This is such an interesting theme and post! Wow, very original! Interesting to think of times when travellers were meant to be welcomed everywhere (or almost)!
God bless you!
Cezar
I really like this collection!
How did they know if there was room in the Inn?
They make a lovely display - nice shapes as well as the pictures.
What a fun and intriguing display! I knew this was true of English inns, but I didn't realize it was a custom still in practice by the time America came along. They must have given it up by the time they pushed out West.
What a great thing to see.
Jack,
These make a great collection. Wouldn't you love to have a few of these on your wall? Your city if rich in history. Lucky you!
I was thinking along the lines of Virginia (quelle surprise) that you have much history in your city... You look as if you cornered the market in country inns! I love the covered bridges in New England as well...
Bises,
G
Interesting display! Now....wouldn't it be fun if you could go back in time and visit each one?!
WOW! What an amazing collection. Fantastic!
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