Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE ~ Standing 8.5" tall x 6.5" square, with rounded corners, a clear glass display jar with a lithographed tin screw top, along with the original cardboard box ~ To the box, a depiction of a squirrel, with text reading DISPLAY JAR ~ SQUIRREL BRAND ~ 36 BAG JUMBO SALTED PEANUTS ~ MANUFACTURED BY SQUIRREL BRAND ~ CAMBRIDGE MASS ~ To the lid, comparable graphics and text, obscured in part by extensive rust.
CONDITION REPORT > Extensive surface rust to the lid ~ Cardboard box suffers from panel loss at top and perhaps other elements ~ No overt damage to glass ~ Dusty, in need of a simple cleaning.
Squirrel Brand Peanuts boasts a rich history that stretches back to the late 19th century, deeply entwined with the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Origins: Although associated with Cambridge, Squirrel Brand's roots trace back to 1888 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where it began as the Austin T. Merrill Company.
Name Change and Growth: In 1899, the company was incorporated as the Squirrel Brand Salted Nut Company, marking the start of its iconic brand identity.
Move to Cambridge: As the company expanded, it relocated to Cambridge in 1903, eventually settling into its longtime home on Broadway Street in 1915.
Early Distribution: In its early years, Squirrel Brand's mixed nut varieties were sold door-to-door by Perley G. Gerrish, one of the company's owners, using a horse and wagon.
Expansion and Legacy: The company thrived in Cambridge for over eight decades, becoming a beloved local institution. Its products even reached notable heights, accompanying Admiral Richard Byrd on his South Pole expedition and being shipped worldwide during World War II.
Product Range: Besides peanuts, Squirrel Brand was known for various candies, including the popular "Squirrel Nut Zipper" taffy.
Ownership Changes and Closure: The company remained under family ownership until 1997, when it was sold following the death of Hollis Gerrish, the son of the founder. Operations eventually moved to Texas, and the Cambridge factory closed in 1999.
Present Day: While the physical presence in Cambridge is gone, the Squirrel Brand continues today under the ownership of Necco, producing its signature Nut Zippers and other candies.
In summary, Squirrel Brand Peanuts represents a legacy of quality and tradition, deeply rooted in the history of Cambridge. From humble beginnings to a renowned brand with global reach, Squirrel Brand's story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and the enduring appeal of a classic snack.
|