What was advertised in a colonial American newspaper 250 years ago today?
“BRAZIER, from Boston … has opened a Shop at the North of Providence, near Liberty-Tree.”
When Caleb Allen, a “BRAZIER, from Boston,” opened a shop in Providence in the fall of 1774, he took to the pages of the local newspaper to advise the public of his new endeavor. He announced that he “makes and mends Brass Kettles, Tea-Kettles, Skillets,” and other items and “mends old Pewter and Tin.” Like many other artisans, he pledged that his customers “may depend on having their Work done in the neatest Manner, with Care and Dispatch.” Braziers and other artisans often assured the public about their skill and the quality of their work.
In giving his location, Allen stated that customers could find his shop “at the North End of Providence, near Liberty-Tree.” In so doing, he may have signaled his political views. At the very least, he seemingly indicated that he was friendly to the patriot cause rather than holding it in disdain. After all, he could have chosen from among many ways to give his location, including just “at the North End of Providence” without mentioning the Liberty Tree. He could have given the name of the street, noted his shop’s proximity to a prominent resident or business, or invoked another familiar landmark. Yet the newcomer from Boston specifically associated the Liberty Tree with his business.
Allen did not mention how recently he arrived in Providence. He had not advertised in the Providence Gazette prior to October 29, 1774. Perhaps he left Boston after the Boston Port Act went into effect, blockading the harbor until the residents of the town paid for the tea destroyed during the Boston Tea Party. That legislation, along with the other Coercive Acts, disrupted commerce and everyday life in Boston. The same issue of the Providence Gazette that carried Allen’s advertisement also featured an update from Boston that “transports, with troops, &c. on board, arrived here from New-York.” Anticipating that things would get even more difficult in that city, the “BRAZIER, from Boston” may have determined to depart and seek his fortunes elsewhere. In that case, the Liberty Tree in Providence would have had particular significance for him when he set up shop near it.