A rare and historically significant double-sided wooden trade sign for The Foote School of New Haven, Connecticut, retaining its original wrought iron hanging brackets and presenting with outstanding surface and authenticity. Executed on a thick 1.5-inch pine board, the sign features bold hand-painted lettering reading “THE FOOTE SCHOOL” flanked by directional arrows, with house number “315” prominently displayed above.
The sign is double-sided and retains its original forged iron mounting brackets, allowing for suspension perpendicular to a building facade as originally intended. The painted surface displays beautiful age-appropriate craquelure, surface wear, and patina, lending the piece exceptional visual character and confirming its period authenticity. The warm mustard ground with black lettering provides striking graphic contrast and strong decorative appeal.
This sign relates to the early history of The Foote School, an independent school founded in 1916 in New Haven. Originally established as a home-based school at 58 Huntington Street, the institution moved among several residences in the East Rock neighborhood before establishing a more permanent home at 315 St. Ronan Street in 1923, the address referenced on this sign. In 1958, the school relocated to its present campus at 50 Loomis Place, where it remains today, now serving approximately 480 students from kindergarten through Grade 9.
Given the reference to the St. Ronan Street location and the sign’s construction and surface characteristics, it likely dates to the 1930s or 1940s, a period when the school operated from the 315 address. Surviving signage from early 20th century private schools is exceedingly scarce, particularly examples retaining original hardware and such strong graphic presence.
An exceptional piece of New Haven history and American educational ephemera, equally compelling as a display object for collectors of Americana, institutional history, or painted signage.
Dimensions
Sign: 20 x 19 inches
Board thickness: approximately 1.5 inches
Condition
Very good overall condition with excellent original surface. Expected wear, minor losses, and craquelure to painted surface consistent with age and outdoor use. Original iron hanging brackets intact. Displays beautifully.
Provenance
New Haven, Connecticut estate / private collection