In the old swan

The spelling of the adjective in the caption IN THE OLD SWAN, St. Pieterstraat 15, is striking.
Probably the meaning should be ALOUDEN, but it is not clear whether the L was forgotten on purpose or by accident.
De zwaan was - also nationally - a much used house name, especially for inns. The reason for this was well known:
"Every pub in town or village carries a swan sign, because the swan always likes to keep his beak wet".

One of the oldest known house names in Maastricht is "de swaen" in the Grote Staat. In the 14th century Winandus de Cygno (=Latin for swan), alderman of Lenculen, and Arnoldis de Cygno, mayor, lived here. In 1402 his grandson Arnoldus Swaen lived in St. Jorisstraat near Nieuwstraat opposite "de lanscrone" in the house "ten hoge swaene" (now Grote Staat 10).
In 1618 this same house was called "de Swaen" and was located next to the Leube (=meeting place) of the smithy, where St. Eloy hung out. In 1748 "de swaen" was mentioned on the district master's list.