Colonial Trade Signs Activity
Introduction
Tradespeople and shopkeepers in colonial America often used
artwork to identify their places of business, especially for those
who could not read. Even after the literacy rate increased, these
signs continued to be used.
Milliner
Makes things from fabric, hats
Tavern
Provided meals and lodging for travelers
Red Lion Inn
Tavern
Provided meals and lodging for travelers
General Store
Grocer
Food products such as Virginia ham,
peanuts, preserves, beverages
Jeweler, Watchmaker
“The Golden Ball” was a trademark used
by jewelers and goldsmiths
Gunsmith
Merchant
Owned a schooner which brought goods
to his store
Shoemaker
Tavern
Tavern
Tavern
Apothecary shop
Shop
Wheelwright
Tailor
The golden fleece is the traditional
symbol of a tailor’s shop
Made clothing for men and women
James Moire Shop
Tailor
King’s Arms Barber Shop
Wigmaker
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Colonial Trades
Shipbuilder
Rope maker
Sail maker – sews sails for ships
Cooper – makes wooden barrels
Whitesmith – makes things from iron or
steel, then polishes them to look like
silver
Miller – grinds corn, wheat, rye, or
barley into flour for baking
Tailor – sews men’s clothes
• Barber – cuts men’s hair and shaves
them; also performed surgery
• Wheelwright – makes wagon wheels
• Clock maker
• Cabinet maker – makes and repairs
furniture
• Silversmith – works with silver to make
fine silverware
• Pewterer – works with pewter to make
pitchers, mugs, cups, etc.
• Tanner – preserves cowhides by tanning
to make leather goods such as saddles,
bridles, shoes, belts, etc.
• Hatter – makes and sells men’s hats
• Cobbler – makes and sells men’s shoes
• Baker
• Milliner – makes and sells dresses and
hats for women
• Apothecary – mixes chemicals and
herbs to create medicines
• Gunsmith – makes, repairs, and sells
guns
• Saddle maker
• Tavern keeper – provides meals, drinks,
entertainment, and lodging
• Weaver – weaves thread into cloth
• Doctor
• Wigmaker – makes wigs for men (a
fashion of the day)
• Candle maker (also called a chandler)
• Printer – may publish a newspaper,
prints materials of all kinds, sells books
• Jeweler – makes, buys and sells jewelry
• Blacksmith – makes things from iron
• Brick maker
• Coach maker – makes coaches and
wagons
• Farrier – shoes horses and acts as a
veterinarian
• Goldsmith – makes and sells things
made of gold