Images(2)

Sign, Advertising

Object number2019.18.9

OriginPortugal

MediumPlywood; Paint; Chalkboard

Credit LineGift of Steve Zumoff

DescriptionPainted wood iced tea menu sign. Overall rectangular plywood sign with painted pink background with red border decorations. Yellow, variegated red, and white text at top with the top line of text extending past the top edge of the rectangular sign body. Bottom half of front has two rectangular black chalkboards with yellow painted wooden borders; viewer's left chalkboard has handwritten text and viewer's right chalkboard is blank but has place of manufacture along the viewer's left frame member. Bottom center of sign has openwork Celtic-type knot carved in the wood. Reverse is painted pink.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 13.625 x 19.25 x 0.5 in. (34.6 x 48.9 x 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsFront of sign has painted yellow, variegated red, and white text at top "ICED TEA / of the day".

Front's viewer's left chalkboard has handwritten blue and pink text "DARJEELING / BLACK / LEMON / GINGER-HERB"; pink text has been rewritten over previous text with a different last word: "HERB" is written over "HERBAL".
MarksViewer's right chalkboard has imprinted text on the viewer's left frame member "MADE IN PORTUGAL".
Historical NotesMenu sign from the Beehive Coffeehouse. The Beehive Coffeehouse, located at 1327 E. Carson Street was a South Side institution for 28 years. It opened in 1991 at the nascent end of a developing coffee shop culture that would soon proliferate in urban centers throughout the country. It was one of the first coffee shops in Pittsburgh. For many years it served as a gathering place for local artists that lived in the neighborhood that often worked there as well. Co-owners Steve Zumoff and Scott Kramer cited rising rents, increased competition, and low sales as the reason they were closing the shop. They also had a shop in Oakland that closed in 2002. The décor of the Beehive was made up of thrifted objects and pieces by local artists. The collection reflects the unique décor and atmosphere of the Beehive.

Related institution Beehive Coffeehouse and Dessertery (1991 - 2018)

Related person Steve Zumoff

Related person Scott Kramer

Subjects