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PRODUCT PACKAGE
PRODUCT PACKAGE

PRODUCT PACKAGE

CultureCanada
Datebefore 1966
Dimensions10.5 x 6.3 x 4 cm (4 1/8 x 2 1/2 x 1 9/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2017.11.10
DescriptionA cardboard box of “Barbour’s Pure Ground Mixed Spice” with blue and red font. The box is dark blue in colour with a yellow center which is wrapped around the front to either side. In the bottom right of the front is a small image of two acorns on a twig with two oak leaves with “1/4 LB. NET” printed to the left. On the left side is listed other food products manufactured by Barbour’s. On the right side is information on the quality and standards of the product as well as the manufacturer’s information: G.E. Barbour Co. Ltd St. John, N.B.” The reverse has the same design as the front but in landscape orientation with “29” handwritten at the center left.
Narrative
The Barbour’s Company Limited was founded in Saint John, New Brunswick, by George L. and William Barbour in 1867. In 1895, the company expanded and began selling tea and coffee products. By 1910, the company officially introduced King Cole, their own brand of tea. The company stayed in the Barbour’s family until 1950 when it was sold to the Brenan family. 

In 1966, the company moved from Saint John to Sussex, New Brunswick. Barbour’s continues to produce King Cole tea, spice and extract products, Morse’s tea, and nut butters, for sale throughout much of Canada today.