Framed Historic Calendar Tile | c1914 | Jones, McDuffee & Stratton

I have been long enamored by the ceramic calendar tiles of Boston's Jones, McDuffee & Stratton. Formed in 1853 - they became a legendary 19th & 20th century importer, wholesaler, and retailer of pottery, china, and glass pieces..

Starting in 1881, the famous English manufacturer, Wedgwood, produced 2-sided annual calendar tiles for the firm featuring historical Boston and Cambridge landmarks on one side and a calendar on the other. In turn, these wonderful scenes were given away to regular patrons as Christmas & holiday gifts. At their peak, Jones, McDuffee & Stratton were recognized as the largest wholesaler and retailer of its kind in the United States.

Given the unique construct and wanting to respect the ability to enjoy both sides of these wonderful tiles - I crafted this frame using 19th century railroad bridge wood salvaged from Hookset NH as well as some old clock gears. 😃

This 1914 scene showcases the grand, historic waterfront infrastructure of the South Boston's Commonwealth Pier (now known as the World Trade Center in the newly dubbed "Seaport "district) during the height of Boston's early 20th-century maritime expansion.