LABEL
Dimensions10.1 x 25.7 cm (4 x 10 1/8 in.)
Object numberHF.71.17.24.1
DescriptionA rectangular landscape-oriented trade label. The design is divided into three sections by a yellow border. The sections each have a green background bordered by a thick black band with an interior layer of a repeating floral motif. The left section is plain. The middle section has a central image of a lobster entwined with 3 links of chain with product, company and location information printed above and below - "Fresh Gulf Lobsters Gulf Shore Packing Co. Souris. P.E. Island". The right section has 3 links of chain with brand name printed in white block letters - Three Link Brand. "Trade Mark" and "Anderson Stewart Macvane" are printed in black inside the links. The number "204" is handwritten in black ink on the reverse.Narrative
This label has been attributed to William Critchlow Harris, well-known Island architect. Lobster canning businesses experienced remarkable growth between 1870-1880s. Advancements in the canning process, started in the 1870s, made it possible to reach wider markets, even if quality control was debatable. By the 1890s, many fisherman realized that lobster fishing didn't need a huge investment and canneries sprung up all over the Island shorelines. Lobster canneries were also one of the limited options of employment available to rural Island women.
In January 1881, The Examiner mentions Gulf Shore Packing Co. and their plans to open up a lobster canning factory in King's County during the summer of that year.
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