Blacksmith banner, Portland, 1841
Item 36610
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Description
Joseph E. Hodgkins painted this banner with an image of two blacksmiths at work and the words, "Strike while the Iron is hot" above the image. The other side of the banner reads, "To This are All Indebted," surrounding an image of a raised arm holding a hammer. The banner, and 16 others representing various artisan groups of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association, were created for a Triennial Festival in Portland in 1841. The skilled artisans carried the banners in a parade through downtown. Hodgkins was a member of the Charitable Mechanic Association.