What is the origin and meaning behind the term "hanging up a shingle"?

Question

My organization will be using the term "shingle" to define the action of starting one's own company. This is a correct use of the term, mostly used as "so-and-so will be hanging up their shingle"; however I cannot find why the term "shingle" was originally used. Whenever someone refers to a shingle they envision the tile that is placed on a roof to protect it from general weather. I would assume another term like "sign" or "display" may be a more suitable term to use, but unfortunately that is not the case.
Does anyone know the origin of the saying " to hang up a shingle" and why the term "shingle" is used? Is a "shingle" just another term for a sign that would be displayed outside of their building or office?
Thank you for your assistance.

Answer 1

Comes from the time when roof shingles were made of wood.

A person used one of those with his name and business printed on it posted near his door to indicate that he had a business there.

Answer 2

Years ago, from what I have seen of westerns, a name was written on a roof tile (shingle) and nailed beside the door.

What about 'hanging up a shingle' in Yahoo search or a dictionary of American usage.

Answer 3

Begin to practice a profession.



‘The Los Angeles Angels hung out their shingle to little fanfare in 1961 as an American League expansion franchise.’

‘After that, he hung out his shingle as a consultant.’

‘He carted them all back to his rent-stabilized walk-up on the Upper East Side and hung out his shingle in 1983.’

‘We should be able to hang out our shingle like any other professional.’



https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/hang_out_one%27s_shingle



http://www.yourdictionary.com/hang-out-one-s-shingle



http://abovethelaw.com/2010/05/hang-out-a-shingle-dont-bother-says-solo/

Answer 4

hang out one's shingle, Informal. to establish a professional practice, especially in law or medicine; open an office.



http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hang-out-one-s-shingle



https://divorcediscourse.com/10-tells-hanging-shingle/

Answer 5

(idiomatic) To open an office or business, especially in a profession.

She's good enough at fixing vacuum cleaners that she should hang out her shingle and try making some money at it.



https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/hang_out_one%27s_shingle



http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/hang+out+shingle



https://judyransom.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/hanging-out-your-shingle/

Answer 6

I think it's a self-deprecating remark....... that right now you're so poor that the only thing you have to write on is a shingle - so that's what you'll hang up. It's just sort of a joke on starting out in life with nothing.