PRODUCT PACKAGE

The temperance movement was a social and political campaign at the forefront of many Canadian minds during the 19th and early 20th century. Those in favour of temperance were advocates for the moderation of, or total abstention from, alcohol. During the late 1800s, unlicensed rum sellers on Prince Edward Island often operated out of oyster bars. This cardboard container, dating back to the early 1900s, is from H. Benoit's establishment on Water Street. It reveals the owner's desire to be known as a respectable oyster bar in the heart of Charlottetown. Printed on one side of the box is "Bulk Oysters", while the other side states "H. Benoit Temperance Drinks and Lunch Counter" to let the public know they served no alcohol in their beverages. In 1900, Prince Edward Island became the first province to enact prohibition laws in the country, a massive victory for critics of liquor consumption.

This style of box is known as an oyster or paper pail. Early patents of the design date to the 1890s, inspired by Japanese origami. Rising popularity of oysters was putting hands at risk due to oyster shucking inexperience. Sellers often opened the shells for their customers. The pails provided an easy, low-cost and sanitary way to transport the pre-shucked oysters home - fingers intact!