Souvenir Plate of Red Bank

PeriodCirca 1900-1920

Place MadeProbably United States

MediumOpaque white glass, silk ribbon

Dimensions1 × 6 in. (2.5 × 15.2 cm)

ClassificationsSouvenirs and Relics

Credit LineMuseum Collection

Object number2024.509

DescriptionA decorative souvenir plate of molded opaque white glass, with a pierced dagged-edge rim colored a bright turquoise blue and large square slots around the inner edge of the rim, threaded through with a loosely woven silk ribbon in ombre shades of red, orange, and pale pink, tied in a bow at the top of the plate. The center of the plate includes a circular scene of Broad Street in Red Bank. Below the central image is the inscription "Broad Street, Red Bank, N.J."
NotesSouvenirs focused on the Jersey Shore, including many sites in Monmouth County, were popular purchases for those visiting the area. Although not directly on the sandy shores of Monmouth's beaches, Red Bank was a destination site for shore visitors. Turn-of-the-century souvenirs are particularly charming and often featured scenes taken from postcard images. This plate, although made for the summer shore trade, is of high quality and features stand-out design elements, including bright, clear colors and a silk ribbon. Plates, cups, mugs, miniature vases, and many other three-dimensional items would have been displayed in parlors on shelves and in bookcases. The Association has a second similar plate, apparently as part of a series, depicting Cooper Bridge in Red Bank, in a slightly different colorway (accession #2024.514).

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