Antique Jennie B Powers Memorial Sign Humane Society NH Woman Sheriff Feminism

Description

An amazing piece of women’s history/Humane Society history in the form of an antique, nearly 85 year old, (1937) large 7 foot hanging wood memorial sign for
Jennie B. Powers
, heroic agent for human and animal rights.  To this day Powers remains a very important female historical figure and there is even a massive wall mural dedicated to her located on a building in Keene, New Hampshire.  The sign has a great architectural motif with lovely arched top and ornate carved edges and design.  Entirely hand carved/planed from two planks of wood that have been notched together and hand painted with a slate green/slate blue finish with cream white accents.  The text is carved right out of the wood as well as the ornate boarder.  The edges are added trim and the two floral components are carved from separate pieces of wood and notched in.  The sign is quite large but not too heavy and weighs only around 15 lbs or less.
This sign was the original sign hung above an early Jennie B. Powers Memorial constructed in 1937 in Hinsdale, NH, nearly 2 years after her death (an online image shows a 1937 newspaper article discussing this memorial).  This sign and memorial were replaced long ago with a new site in 1967.
In As Is/Good overall condition.  Paint is chipped and worn and sign shows soiling and wear as well as some small chips in areas but minimal.  Shows moderate paint loss but what remains is sound.  There is a 2ft age split running horizontal along the right edge of the top of the bottom board but the sign is still sound.  This can be repaired with a wood glue but can still be displayed just fine as is.  As always with large antique items this sign still should be handled with care.  Each flaw or blemish is not a detraction but in fact enhances the piece by acting as a testament to its age and authenticity.  Retains hanging hooks and one original chain.
Jennie B. Powers (1864-1936) Animal Rights Activist and possibly the 1st Female Deputy Sheriff in New Hampshire
Brattleboro, VT-born Jennie Powers was a humane society agent in Keene, NH, from 1903-1936, while also assisting the society in Brattleboro, VT.  Jennie was known across the country as
The Woman Who Dares
, cited by the Boston Post newspaper as having arrested more men than any other woman in America in 1906.
In 1903, the Keene Humane Society hired Jennie on a trial basis. Soon the company grew to rely on her as Jennie investigated and worked to prosecute hundreds of cases of animal abuse.  She was known to march in to work sites such as logging camps, mill yards, farms, and train yards.  By 1910, the Cheshire County sheriff deputized her and Jennie Powers became the second woman in New Hampshire to serve that role.
In the mural you will also notice an image of a mother and child.  In an age when animal cruelty laws were more defined than laws against family violence, much of Powers’ work led her to protect the rights of children and wives who were abused and neglected.
Jennie Powers died in 1936 at the age of 72 from complications from pneumonia.  In 1967, the Keene Humane Society built the present Jennie B. Powers Memorial Shelter on their 250 acre site in her honor.
Jennie Powers was a heroic agent of change during a time when women were just beginning to push for rights to vote, to control property and to have a legal say over the welfare of their own children.
Measures 6’ 11” x 1’ 6” x 1 1/2” thick.
This sign is available for free local pickup but can be shipped as well.  If you would like this to be shipped please wait for an invoice before paying so we can add a charge of 5 to ship via FedEx or UPS to your invoice.
If you think you can arrange a freight or delivery option that is less than what we quoted please still checkout via the local pickup option and then contact us about a pickup date from your delivery carrier.  Please note we do not want to hold the sign for more than a month so please have your pickup scheduled within that window.
We can also deliver the sign to the Keene or Brattleboro area for no extra charge!
Do to the size and value of the sign we will not be offering returns on it, thanks.
Please enjoy the photos for further item details and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.  This item ships to the continental USA only but can be picked up for free.  Thank you and be sure to check out our other listings!