Name/Title
Milo Berry SignEntry/Object ID
2024.3.1Description
Metal black sign with off-white print and depictions. The sign advertises M.H. Berry's furniture business in Columbia at 107 Main Street. Additional script reads "Manufacturer and Dealer in Furniture. Upholstering Done Neatly. Undertaking in all its Branches." There are images of an ornate bed frame containing a washstand, as well as a large ornate vanity.Context
Milo Hoyt Berry (1819–1907) came to Charleston from Newark, New Jersey around 1843 with his new bride, Harriet Meiggs (1820–1849). Having already established himself as a cabinetmaker in the North, he had secured a contract to furnish the Charleston Hotel (demolished in 1960). Upon completing the project, Berry began making furniture in Columbia beginning in either 1844 or 1845.
Early in his career, Berry likely partnered with other merchants such as Jeremiah Price (1816–1889) and George Symmers (1832–1882). He had several competitors both in the furniture business—such as A.C. Squier (1805–1887) and George S. Bowers (1807–1866)—and as an undertaker. Furniture and coffin making required similar skillsets and tools. In fact, Berry advertised that he used walnut in both his furniture and coffins.
His first wife, Harriet, died prematurely in 1849. Widowed with at least four young children, Berry turned to his sister-in-law, Julia Meiggs (1822–1906), whom he married five months after Harriet's passing. Berry had at least nine children; only three outlived him. Census records also reveal that he enslaved at least four people prior to emancipation: a 40-year-old woman and three men ages 18, 24, and 26.
This sign advertised Berry’s business at 107 Main Street (later renumbered 1440 Main Street) where he operated from c.1850 until 1903. Berry notably used every inch of the sign to advertise his wares when he placed a depiction of a washstand within a bedstead. Berry remained in the furniture making business and continued to operate as an undertaker until his retirement in 1903 at the age of 84. He died four years later.Dimensions
Dimension Description
FramedHeight
15-3/4 inWidth
19-1/2 inDimension Description
ObjectHeight
10 inWidth
14 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Milo H. Berry
