Everyone knows the traditional welcome the Ardens extend to all visitors: “You are welcome hither.” It was chosen by Frank Stephens and carved on the top of the stile sign at the original entrance to the villages. It expresses both the long-established greeting and spirit of the Ardens.
The Arden Craft Shop Museum recently received a donation of the top of the stile sign and it joins two other similar objects already in the collection. The latest sign was found by the donor on their leasehold, but they did not have any specific information on its origins. We now have three stile signs and would be delighted to know additional information about any of them.
The first two signs were “found in collection,” so we do not have any specific information on their donors or origins. The first is in very fragile condition, appears to be of wood which has been stained brown. The remnants of carved scroll work remain on the left side and the right side is missing.
The second sign appears to have been painted blue/gray and the lettering may have once been painted red. There is scroll work on both sides, but it is also in poor condition and is in three pieces.
The newest sign does not have any scroll carving, but the letters may have also originally been painted red. All three signs are very alike in the style of the carving, which does appear to have been done by hand. They are also quite similar in size and shape.
We have just begun researching our records for more information about these signs, particularly who made them and how often and when they were replaced. We are hoping, however, that the collective memory of the villages will be help guide us in our search for information. Please stop by the Museum to update us with more details or send an email to [email protected]. We hope to display all three signs later this spring when we have more information.
The Museum is open Sunday afternoons from 1-3 & Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9.
–Barbara Macklem
