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 red later addition yarn fringe. One side "WE'LL MOULD THE PASTE OF LIFE WITH SKILL, STAMP IT FOR USE AND NOT FOR SHOW; AND WHEN AT LAST OUR BATCH WE FILL, WE SHALL NOT WISH OUR "CAKE WAS DOUGH." in black letter with some red shadowing all on a white silk background. The reverse with "THE STAFF OF LIFE." in black letters with red shadowing. Painted with a scene of a large bundle of golden wheat all on a white silk background.
Per the Maine Memory Network in conjunction with the Maine Historical Society - October 2015:
A sheaf of wheat accompanied by the words "The Staff of Life" represented the Bakers and Confectioners trade group of the Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland on this banner painted in 1841.
The reverse of the linen banner reads, "We'll Mould the Paste of life with skill, Stamp it for Use and not for show; And when at lest our Batch we Fill, We shall not wish our "Cake was Dough."
Members of the trade group carried the banner in a parade on Oct. 8, 1841 in Portland, along with 16 other trade groups that belonged to the association. The parade was part of a Triennial Festival that promoted civic pride as well as the skilled artisans.
The Maine Charitable Mechanic Association began in 1815.