Souvenir spoon: Savannah

1894-1900

Maker

Gorham Manufacturing Co. (1831-1986)
Savannah retailed, Theus Brothers (1894-c. 1910)

Measurements

5 in x 1-1/2 in x 1/2 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1219

Inscription

“SAVAN NAH.GA” and “CITY HALL” are in relief in the bowl.  “MONUMENT / TO / GEN GREENE / OF RHODE ISLAND” is on the back of handle at the base.  Gorham touchmarks, “STERLING”, and “THEUS BROS.” are stamped into the back of the handle.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

The spoon handle replicates the monument to Major Gen. Nathaniel Greene (1742-1786) that memorializes his successful contributions to the American Revolution.  After serving under Washington in the north, Greene led troops of the Continental Army in the southern theater.  Following the war, Greene, a Rhode Islander, relocated to Savannah, where he remained until his death.

Architect William Strickland designed the monument, which was constructed between 1825 and 1830.

The bowl illustrates the Savannah City Exchange, a building constructed in 1799 and renovated and enlarged in 1854.  It served as the city hall.  It was razed in 1904 and replaced with a new structure dedicated as City Hall.