SEAL

Dimensions4.1 cm (1 5/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2022.1.2.4

DescriptionA brown and yellow paper seal for a bottled(?) chocolate drink. Part of the seal can be lifted by a finger to insert a straw. Three consecutive semi-circles are present with brown lettering for "Garden City", "The Pure Milk Co. Ltd. Charlottetown, P.E.I", "Not Less Than 2% M.F.". At the center of the label is "Pasteurized" and at the bottom center against a brown background in white lettering is "Chocolate / Drink".

Narrative

This chocolate milk cap was discovered along with a collection of other candy wrappers during renovations at a former Lebanese grocery store on the corner of Pownal and Richmond Streets in Charlottetown. The owners were still in contact with the daughters of Saied and Esma Kays, the owners of the grocers. When the daughters saw the pile of candy wrappers, they shared how when they used to help their parents in the store, they would partake in some candy tasting and then hide the wrappers in an opening underneath the countertop to avoid being caught.

Pure Milk Co. operated in Charlottetown on the corner of Fitzroy and Great George streets. The company was accepting milk deliveries by horse-drawn cart until 1956! It was also known to serve very good ice cream, which is telling as Islanders are ice cream connoisseurs.

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