The Hotel George Washington, located on the corner of Julia and Adams Streets in Jacksonville, opened in 1926. The sign on the roof was the first neon sign in the city.
Robert Kloeppel, a local businessman, built the luxury hotel, which housed Charles Lindbergh at one time and did not have rooms for the Beatles in a spectacular mix-up when they were to play at the Gator Bowl in 1964. The hotel was sold by Kloeppel in 1963 and was torn down in 1973.
The 10 1/4 inch service plate features an image of the famous Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington in the well in shades of brown. The teal border has an intricate gild design with additional gilt lines on the inner and outer rim.
The backstamp itself is interesting. It reads "Reproduced from the painting by Stuart for Hotel George Washington, Robert Kloeppel, owner, Jacksonville, Florida. OPCO Syracuse China manufactured this plate in 1926 so it dates to the opening of this hotel. Who knows, Lindy himself could have eaten off this plate!Excellent condition. A few scratches in the well but no chips, cracks or hairlines.
Great piece of Jax history.
Thanks for looking!
