This print is enclosed in a solid oak frame and the frame holds in one half a print of a young colonial dressed man “John” resting on a bench and a young woman “Priscilla” at work at a spinning wheel. The other half of the frame has written the following quote done in old English script, “Why don’t you speak for yourself John?” This saying traditionally comes from Longfellow’s epic. In this story Miles Standish a Pilgrim at Plymouth Massachusetts is in love with Priscilla Mullins but instead of asking for her hand in marriage himself, he has his friend John Alden ask her. When John goes to Priscilla she replies with the now famous words, “Why don’t you speak for yourself John?” While it can’t be proved historically that this event actually happened, there are records that show two pilgrims John Alden and Priscilla Mullins really were married in the early founding of Plymouth. It appears that John must have learned to speak for himself.
The letters on this print are all done in raised letters, and only the print it’s self is behind glass. The frame measure 29 1/2” x 15 1/2” while the print portion is 18” wide and the wordage is about 7″ wide. It is all in excellent all original condition. In the bottom left had corner of the print it is signed, ‘Copr. Ullman Mfg. Co. N.Y.” – ‘Jas. Fagan’ the name Fagan would appear to be the artist name. This print has lots of character and makes for a great antique print that you will not want to miss adding to your own collection. –
Bookends Priscilla & John Alden – complement this Print
