From the Collection #8: Silver Spoon
These photos and the accompanying caption were originally posted to our Facebook page (link to external site) on June 9, 2023.
One of the newest additions to our collection is this silver souvenir spoon, ca. 1891, designed by and manufactured for Charles H. Place, a jeweler with a shop at 144 N. Main St. The spoon measures 4.5" long and is delicately engraved with an image of Jesse Welden's log cabin on the bowl and Welden's name and portrait on the handle.
Text of attached article, from the September 30, 1891 edition of the St. Albans Messenger: "Of course, every one who keeps posted on the prevailing fads and notions, will understand that the latest, so far as silver ware is concerned, is known as the souvenir spoon. Being engraved to recall some local features of scenic beauty of particular note, or of historic interest, they do, indeed, constitute for travellers pleasing mementoes of the various places they have visited.
"Among the many unique and beautiful designs now offered in this line, St. Albans must, of course, be represented, and it certainly is most fittingly in the latest acquisition to this fancy known as the 'Jesse Welden souvenir spoon.' Jesse Welden, as all St. Albanians know, was the first white settler in this town, coming here previous to the Revolution, and building, at one time, a log house by Stevens brook [sic], near the site of the present residence of H. M. Stevens. The souvenir spoon which bears his name is very beautifully engraved, bearing on the bowl a representation of the old log house by the brook and on the handle the name and portrait of Jesse Welden. It was designed by the popular jeweller, Charles H. Place, and is manufactured expressly for him. It is truly a very handsome piece of workmanship, and one of the most effective designs in this specialty ever brought to our attention."