c. 1900-10 original antique american late victorian era varnished oak wood colonnade room divider header salvaged from a chicago residence undergoing demolition. the double-sided header was designed and fabricated by the decorators' supply co., chicago, il. the surround contains original and intact decorative applique on front and back sides. great overall condition. two available (the other is twice the length). the decorators supply company traces its history back to 1883 when the original founders, simon strahn and richard c. foster, established a partnership to manufacture "artistic decorative accessories" ("manufacturing and wholesale industries of chicago", thomas b. poole co., published 1918). an old lease document dated april 13, 1890 describes the company as a carving and guilders business. by 1893, decorators supply had blossomed into a manufacturer of cast ornamental plaster. the company was involved in the fabrication of the mouldings that would adorn the buildings and halls showcased in the columbian exhibition of 1893. these buildings, embellished with ornamental plaster, became known as the "white city." this world's fair of 1893 attracted a wealth of world class artists, sculptors, carvers and craftsmen to chicago. decorators supply drew from this rich talent pool the german, italian and polish artisans who over the following four decades would create the artistic legacy seen in their product offerings. measures approximately 34 x 4 x 21 inches.