Red Moose Inn - Lansing, Michigan - (517)784-7662
History of the Restaurant, Antiques & Art  at the Red Moose Inn Art & Antiques
 

With a Northern motif, our  bar is filled with interesting artifacts and antiques found on various journeys to the West and to the North, and even an oil painting uncovered in our very own walls.  These are some of the items we have found and a little of their history.  Come on in to see all the rest!

 

WWII Air Raid Siren

Most often heard at closing time, this World War II air raid siren is one of our most popular acquisitions. 

 

1957 Bob Christie at Indianapolis Print

Bob Christie raced for the original "Jerry" of Jerry's Place.

 

More antiques and things...

 

History of that strange Maiden Painting behind the bar

 

If you've been in for lunch or a cold one since the remodel started, you could hardly have missed the painting we uncovered.  If you have yet to visit, it is an art deco oil painting on canvas by John McFadden dated 1938.  At first glance, the painting is of a nude maiden frolicking in the sunlight with a hind.  But further inspection reveals two Pan-like creatures whispering together while a beautiful white bird takes flight above.  Mr. McFadden was a local commercial artist and it is believed he was commissioned to paint this scene for the grand opening of the El Dorado Cafe, once located in our building.  When the restaurant became Scotty's Sportsman Tavern (about 1941), Jackson was a popular war town with a nearby railroad in heavy use.  To keep moral high, sports came to the forefront and, consequently, the painting was covered with an enormous sports photo and long forgotten as the bar changed hands yet again and became Jerry's.

There has been much heated debate over what the picture depicts.  Some say the Garden of Eden because of an abundance of what appear to be peaches lying all around and the "pillowing" technique.  Others swear it has something to do with Greek Mythology.  Local historians state it is based on the legend of El Dorado since the painting was probably commissioned for the opening of the restaurant.  Of course, there is only one way for you to know for sure - come in and decide for yourself!

 

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