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“We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come” Sign
Artist unidentified
Photo by José Andrés Ramírez
“We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come” Sign
“We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come” Sign
Artist unidentified
Photo by José Andrés Ramírez
“We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come” Sign Artist unidentified Photo by José Andrés Ramírez
Record Details

“We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come” Sign

Date1875–1900
Place/RegionUnited States
MediumPaint on wood and metal with applied metal and paper
Dimensions100 1/2 × 24 × 2 1/2"
Credit LineGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel
Accession number2015.1.122
Description

This intriguing sign, with its welcoming message, remains a mystery. Research has not pointed to any fraternal groups that were known to use such signs as this, or to objects with this message; however, its shape does resemble the large wooden poles erected as part of spring maypole festivals in many countries, including the United States. Songs associated with the maypole tradition in America do include the phrases painted on this sign.

Stacy C. Hollander, ""We Come to Greet You/Gladly We Come" Sign," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information. 

To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org

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