The New METC Sign
	Improved Visibility and Recognition

As part of an ongoing project to complete the restoration of the James Library building that serves as our home, we recently erected a new free standing sign on the front lawn. Our new sign was intended to increase the visibility of the Museum for daytime and evening programs, and to increase safety by allowing visitors to locate the building quickly while driving. Museum Trustee Tom Judd designed the new sign to complement the classic style of the building. A hammered wrought iron frame, reflecting the column-and-arch motif characteristic of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, stands on rustic concrete piers that complement the rough granite of the James Library building. The cedar sign was sandblasted to create a rustic appearance, then painted in colors that reflect the granite walls and slate roof of the building. Because the James Library building is part of the Madison Historic District, the sign was reviewed with Madison's Historic Preservation Commission, which made several suggestions for improvement. It was also approved by the DDC Sign and Façade Committee. Final approval for construction was granted by resolution of the Madison Borough Council, the building's owner and landlord of the Museum. The wooden sign was created by Morris Sign Company of East Hanover, while the wrought iron frame was fabricated and erected by Chairolanza Brothers Welding of Madison. Sign lighting was installed by Rose City Electric of Madison. Funding was supplied in part by grants from the Union Foundation and from the E J Grassmann Trust. Commenting on the successful completion of the project, Tom Judd said, "It was particularly appropriate for our Museum to have these fine local craftsmen construct our new sign. The project combined many talents, from the latest computer-aided design and manufacture of the sign itself to the traditional hand operations of the ironworker. Joe Chairolanza and his crew, in particular, really rose to the challenge. They not only faithfully adhered to the design, they made several improvements to enhance its appearance. We feel that this sign is a fitting complement to our building, which has been called the 'crown jewel' of the Historic District."

©2001 Museum of Early Trades & Crafts