Object Description
Per the James D. Julia Inc.'s Auction Catalogue (End of Summer Spectacular Maine Auction- 2010):
The hanging banner mounted to a round wood dowel with hanging loop having oil painted decoration on both sides with a light blue later addition yarn fringe. One side with "SUPPORTED BY THE KINGDOM." with cream colored letters and brown shadowing. The phrase centered around a painting of a large bull in dark gray standing on a brown grass ground. All on a white silk background. The reverse with "UNION IS STRENGTH BUTCHERS_TANNERS_CURRIERS, SOAPBOILERS_TALLOWCHANDLERS BE JUST AND FEAR NOT." with the top and bottom phrase in quotes is colored with cream and dark brown shadowing, the center words in black with brown shadowing. All on white silk background.
Per the Maine Memory Network in conjunction with the Maine Historical Society - October 2015:
A banner for the Butchers, Tanners, Curriers, Soapboilers, and Tallowchandlers of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association of Portland was painted in 1841 for a parade as part of the Triennial Festival that celebrated the City of Portland the skilled artisans who made up the Charitable Mechanic group.
The front of the banner has an image of a bull with the words, "Supported by the Kingdom." The reverse reads, "Union is Strength. Butchers, Tanners, Curriers, Soapboilers, Tallowchandlers. Be just and fear not."
The Charitable Mechanic Association began in 1815 to support and promote skilled artisans.
