Object Details
- Description
- This small, rectangular tin is primarily yellow with black writing and blue, white and black used for design. This tin once contained Allenburys Pastilles which were manufactured in England by Allen & Hanburys Ltd.
- In 1715, Silvanus Bevan opened a pharmaceutical business in London. He was later joined by his brother, Timothy. The business grew to be well respected by the local as well as international community, especially in the United States. In 1792, William Allen joined the business and worked his way up the ranks. His wife was a Hanbury, and upon his death, the business passed to the Hanbury’s. Allenbury’s manufactured pastilles, a sweet, medicated lozenge. In 1958, Allenbury’s became part of Glaxo Laboratories.
- Sweet treats have been a part of the human diet nearly since the beginning of human existence. The type of treat has changed over time, but human desire for sweetness has not. Candy can be hard or chewy, may or may not contain chocolate and can be sweet or sour. Sugar cane was introduced to Europeans when crusaders brought the substance back from the Middle East, and it was with these Europeans that sugar gained its highly prized status as an art form and a gift to be given away on special occasions. A status that persists to this day when a suitor gives their beloved chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
- At one time, small family owned confectionary shops dominated the American landscape. Opening a candy making business was a relatively low cost investment, all one needed was a kitchen and a basket to sell their treats from on the street. As demand grew, they could grow their business. Today, many of these small businesses have been absorbed into large corporations who command a much greater market power.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- Credit Line
- Can Manufacturers Institute
- Physical Description
- tin (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 8 cm x 5 cm x 2.5 cm; 3 1/8 in x 1 15/16 in x in
- Object Name
- Can
- Container, food
