CHEESE CASE
Datec. 1920
Dimensions56 x 52.5 x 51 cm (22 1/16 x 20 11/16 x 20 1/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2022.1.1
DescriptionWooden-framed cheese case with glass on five sides and wooden base used at S. N. Kays Grocery, a former Lebanese grocery store. 41.5 diameter wooden turntable is inside the case with traces of lines and a large crack in the middle. One side of the case has a hinged door with small metal handle. Narrative
This glass cheese case was used in S.N. Kays General Groceries, located at 87 Pownal Street, Charlottetown, PEI. The store was owned and operated by Saied (Sam) and Esma Kays, both originally from Lebanon. Saied owned his store from the 1920s until the time of his death in 1977.
The grocers was located in the bottom front portion of the Kays home so their three daughters grew up in the store, often helping their father. During the 1950s, it was common for people to come in and buy single slices of meat and cheese. One of Saied's daughters recalled how her sister, whenever this would happen, sliced an extra piece of cheese for herself, stating "One for the customer, and one for me!"
Fun Fact: the wheel still smells like cheese!
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