Historic Granite Street Marker is Discovered

Last week City officials, Strawbery Banke and Thomas Berger of Green Art in Kittery were thrilled to discover the historic 1795 octagonal granite post that once marked the corner of Islington and Brewster Streets.  The post is inscribed with both street names as well as the 1795 date. 

The centuries old post was discovered by Mr. Berger hidden amongst surplus granite pieces he had recently obtained from Strawbery Banke for use in his landscape design/installation and stone sculpting business.  No one appears to know how long the historic granite signpost was sitting in this pile of other granite pieces or how or when it was put there, but it seems certain it was there for many decades.  Certainly no one at Strawbery Banke or the City was aware of its location.  Following the chance find, the primary concern of both Strawbery Banke and Mr. Berger was to make sure the post was returned to the City and all parties worked together to make that happen.

“The City is indebted to both Strawbery Banke and Thomas Berger for making sure this historic signpost was returned to Portsmouth.  This piece of granite is an invaluable part of the City’s historic fabric and both Strawbery Banke and Mr. Berger have the City’s deepest appreciation for their quick action once the piece was discovered,” City Manager John Bohenko said. 

City officials will take steps to place this roughly one-ton piece of its heritage back in the public eye. 

 

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