Vintage 2-Sided 2'x3' Wood Sign Entering/Leaving Middle Haddam Historic District

For sale is a wonderful, authentic double-sided painted wood sign that once marked the boundary of the Middle Haddam Historic District in East Hampton, Connecticut. One side reads "Entering Middle Haddam Historic District" and the reverse reads "Leaving Middle Haddam Historic District," each side featuring a beautifully rendered illustration of a tall-masted sailing schooner — a fitting tribute to the village's proud maritime heritage. The sign retains its original navy blue painted wood frame with wire hanging hardware, and displays charming age-appropriate wear, crazing, and patina consistent with decades of outdoor use.

Sign Dimensions: 36.5" wide x 24.5" tall (3 feet x 2 feet)

About Middle Haddam Historic District

Middle Haddam is one of Connecticut's most significant and well-preserved historic river port villages. Settled in the 17th century as part of Middletown, it was incorporated as part of East Hampton in 1767, and from an early date was a thriving shipbuilding community, with a sawmill on Mill Brook running through the village. By 1739, it had become its own ecclesiastical society, taking the name "Middle-Haddam," and a Congregational meeting house was built by 1744.

Middle Haddam served as an important port on the Connecticut River from approximately 1730 to 1880. From a small, relatively level landing area along the river, the village extended upward across the slope to the east and northeast, forming a distinctive fan-shaped pattern, with narrow winding roadways leading up from the river. The sailing schooner depicted on this sign is a direct nod to that legacy — vessels like it once loaded and unloaded cargo at the Middle Haddam landing, connecting the agricultural hinterland of eastern Connecticut to markets throughout the region.

The district today affords protection for approximately 180 structures dating from as early as 1691, with nearly 70% of the village's historic structures predating 1835. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Sign Details:

A truly unique large-format piece of Connecticut local history and Americana — perfect for collectors of New England folk art, maritime memorabilia, roadside signage, or Connecticut River Valley history. Would make a stunning display piece in a home, office, restaurant, or maritime collection.