29 April 2009

Rue Longue - Number 56


Two signs, and three decidedly different periods in the history of this house in Rue Longue.

The red and white sign, and the most recent, is of a now defunct Halal grocery shop. Alongside, an inscription on the wall. This is the most interesting inscription in all of Rue Longue - even considering Gaspard de Bottini's house at no. 129.

There are three parts to this inscription: the first being the monogram of Christ which is in the centre. The second, the initials of the proprietor (B.T.) in 1542 and the third, the initials of another proprietor (M.M.) in 1855.

As you can see this building is in desperate need of some T.L.C.

For those of you interested in the history of Menton, do take a look at Eddy's blog, D'Hier a Aujourd'hui. Eddy is the husband of Catherine, who many know from her lovely Just the Five of Us blog. Eddy and Catherine have an apartment in Menton that they visit during most school holidays. Their absolute love of Menton shows in all their postings about the town. Eddy's blog features old postcards alongside a photograph of that same place today and commentary giving us the history. Fascinating it is. Do take a look.

12 comments:

  1. what a lovely selection of old signs so full of history

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  2. j'aime bien la partie historique sur le mur.

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  3. Great signs. I hate to see neglected facades; there are so many here.

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  4. It does look a little worse for the wear.

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  5. It means the building owners are under the protection of Christ, at least, they hope so. Amazing that during more than 450 years, this building is always there ! Like many others in the "rue Longue".
    I like to watch these marks of the past.
    Thanks Jilly, for the links. So kind of you.

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  6. Fascinating about the signs. Thank you for the advisory about Eddy's blog. I have a collection of old travel books from the 1800's and early 1900's and love to compare the old engravings and photos in the books to the same scenes today.

    I also like to take photographs of he same scenes depicted in some of the paintings that we have in our house that we acquired on our travels.

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  7. I remember the Halal sign but missed the stone inscription. Fascinating. And thanks for the links to Eddy and Catherine's blogs. I loved the Eddy's postcards and Catherine's photos. Off to add them to my reader.

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  8. it's very nice of you to mention another blogger..... Bon jeudi Jilly!

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  9. I like the old signs, one much older! They contrast well with each other.

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  10. When people ask why I love France so much......this is the reason.
    V

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  11. Well, the building is ecumenical if nothing else. If I remember my Jesuit high school Latin, IHS, which always appears with a cross, stands for in hoc signo - in this sign. Sometimes it is written out as in hoc signo vinces, that is, in this sign you conquer. The halal butcher might have disagreed. &!%$@# crusaders.

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  12. Times change, Menton remains! Happy to now follow the latest Menton news from three different sources, not contradictory! :-)

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