CRATE

Datec. 1980s

Dimensions27.5 x 33.5 x 27 cm (10 13/16 x 13 3/16 x 10 5/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2022.24.1

DescriptionA red plastic, cube shaped crate with an open top. A narrow slot shaped handle is present at the top of each side. On the top half of the sides is a honeycomb-like pattern, hollow at the center and with projecting walls. The bottom of the sides is solid plastic. One the front and back of the crate is embossed in black “P.E.I Mussel King Inc. St-Georges” at the bottom center. The back also features a paper label with pencil inscription for “Pine Cones”. The base of the crate features a grid like pattern.
Narrative

Joseph Van Den Bremt, the pioneer of PEI's cultivated mussel industry, used whatever was available in those early days of mussel farming. Equipment was created or re-purposed from existing products because nothing specialized existed yet. This branded Mussel King crate started life as a milk crate. Other items like plastic gas containers were utilized as buoys, when actual buoys weren't available.