SIGN
Datec. 1930s
Geography
Prince Edward Island
Dimensions0.6 x 28 x 8.4 cm (1/4 x 11 x 3 5/16 in.)
Object numberHF.09.11.3
DescriptionRectangular wooden trade sign. The front of the sign has a white painted background with text reading "W.W. Wellner Ltd Ch'town." painted in red and "China" painted in black. Five holes across top from hanging sign. Holes in first "L" from Wellner and "N" in China from posting sign. The backside of sign is unpainted. Narrative
William Wright Wellner was born in Crapaud, PEI. He became a well-known goldsmith and watchmaker on PEI. In 1868, he opened a jewelry store in Charlottetown. W.W. Wellner's first advertised in the Charlottetown Examiner as the "successor to A. Purchase" and was located on Great George Street. The following year, the business relocated to 103 Grafton Street.
Following William's death in 1907, his son, L. A., took over the business with a partner, A. W. Wellner. In the 1930s, Wellner's also began selling chinaware, perhaps somewhat suddenly, which might explain the hand-painted "CHINA" on this sign. In 1962, 103 Grafton Street was sold to Henderson and Cudmore and W.W. Wellner's closed their doors after almost a century.
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