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The pineapple is an old symbol of hospitality in New England.  Legend is that when seafaring captains returned home after a long time at sea, they would return bearing exotic fruits, such as the pineapple.  The captain would place a pineapple on the front gate of his house as a sign that he was home and receiving guests.  Colonial innkeepers began using the pineapple in ads as a symbol of hospitality, and carved finials like the one here became popular ornaments on the front gates of grand estates.