Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Signboard
Artifact ID1981.00067.01
Object Type
Plaque, Decorative
Gifter
William R. Dowman
Maker
Design Workshop
(West Barnstable, MA)
Date
1981
Medium
Wood, Paint, Metal
Dimensions19 × 6 1/2 × 3/4 in. (48.3 × 16.5 × 1.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionA hand-screened tavern sign with a creme color background, lettered in red, “Ye Reagan House Est 1981,” and depicting a multicolored American eagle motif, “In God We Trust,” on the front. The back is painted black with a drawing of a broadside in yellow with text stating, “17982 THE EAGLE In 1782, Congress unwittingly became a style setter by approving the eagle on the Great Seal of the United States. Although no official dictated that artists and craftsmen incorporate the eagle into their designs, the bird immediately began appearing in the homes of the nation. It turned up in Pennsylvania pottery, New York stoneware, and Massachusetts Sandwich glass. More than 300 varieties of eagle were used on flasks alone. In today’s designs, the eagle is still with us—more than ever. One of the first eagle lovers was George Washington: a spread eagle perched on the finial of a desk at Mount Vernon; an eagle was carved above his pew in St. Paul’s Church; and, in 1789, when he toured the country in triumph, illuminated eagles blazed from windows and doorways. After the War of 1812, American prisoners on English ships brought home eagles they’d carved on whalebone while in captivity, and loyal fiancées embroidered eagles on their wedding gowns.” Below that is a shield with a flying eagle carrying a flag and two stars, and text stating “DESIGN WORKSHOP Hand-screened Personalized Signboards * Wood Products P. O. Box 236, West Barnstable, MA. 02668” in yellow. There is a sawtooth hanger at the top center.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Design Workshop 1981
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)