the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Bridge Landing NJ, the Bergen County Historical Society plans to loan their rare tavern sign to the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
Currently still on exhibit at the Steuben House. The portrait of Jefferson was done in his lifetime while he was president.
Historian Kevin Wright wrote:
“The depiction of President Jefferson on John Hopper’s sign was probably based upon Caleb Boyle’s portrait. Margaret Van Horn Dwight, keeping a journal of her journey to Ohio in 1810, noted: “I found it quite amusing to see the variety of paintings on the inn-keepers’ signs. I saw one in N. J. with Thos. Jeff’ns. head & shoulders & his name above it”
This tavern sign, which formerly hung from an elm tree in front of John A. Hopper’s Tavern in present-day Ho-Ho-Kus, it was donated to the Bergen County Historical Society by Frederick Z. Board.”
Hopper was making a political statement by hanging Jefferson’s portrait in front of his inn.
The sign, which stands 70” tall, was restored in the 1980s by the Junior League of Bergen County. The BCHS Board and Museum Collection Committee is in favor of this requested loan, and details are still being worked out.
More info on our website – just search “Bergen County History.” https://www.bergencountyhistory.org/