It was known by family that's where tinsel and other paper Christmas decorations were kept.
It had been for years.
But this year Nora's grandmother decided to only put up a small fibre optic tree which she found much more convenient.
"Would you like to take the decorations home?" she asked. "You can throw away the box, it's a bit tatty now."
The feisty 82-year-old Irish woman was somewhat surprised when Nora replied, "Thank you, but to tell you the truth I'm actually much more interested in the box."
"Why on earth are you interested in an old box?"
"Well, it's virtually an heirloom."
The older woman eyed Nora skeptically.
"You're serious."
Nora nodded slowly.
What's not to love? (click images for a larger view).
It dates from the late 1960s or very early 1970s based on fashions of our happy families and the unit of weight (Australia was just about fully metric in 1974).
If you click on the larger image, you'll also find that it was bought at Coles. Check out the price. It's in decimal currency so it's post-1966.
Nora always associates the box with Christmas decorations, not recalling ever having sampled the original product.
Despite its condition there's plenty to love - even zombie mom:
Each side had a charming domestic scene - from the woodland family picnic on the lid to the poolside:
The backyard barbecue:
And the tennis courts. Check out the composition of the happy biscuit munching couples. Nora suspects blondie in the right of the image played matchmaker to the couple in the foreground.
Look at her expression, just the right amount of effected nonchalance as she keeps an eye on her charges:
See Fred, I told you they'd like each other.
Lastly there is relaxing with a bikkie or two with a cup of coffee while watching TV.
Take a look at the coffee set, it's a popular pot design of the period. Nora managed to find one similar in orange in an op-shop along with a sugar bowl and four cups. She purchased the lot for $5.
"I don't know why you'd want that thing," said the woman behind the counter. "It's awful."
It's Noritake and Nick and Nora love (and use) it.
Websters main factory was established in an old tannery works in Kedron and there was another at Woollongabba which David Webster later sold to former employee and business protegee Clement Lewin who founded Lewin's Confectionery in 1919.
Nora doesn't think Webster's Biscuits still exists and can find little reference to the company on the Internet. Likely it was taken over at some point by a larger manufacturer such as Arnotts.
Here's an earlier incarnation of the very same picnic pack concept. This one is possibly 1930s and features paper labels stuck over tin. Described as 'aged' in condition, it's for sale for $30.
3 comments:
I thought I would fill in a little bit of the blanks with the Websters Biscuits and their existance.
Westerns bought the operation and brand in the early to mid 60's. You could still buy the biscuits for some time (locally/Brisbane) but I haven't seen them for about 10-15 years now.
The family haven't had any association or involvement with the brand etc since my Grand Farthers retirment in the late 70's /early 80's. This lack of involevment has probably led to the limited info on the Company and its history being availble on the Net.
In the 1940s, we used to live near the Webster Biscuit Factory which was on Annerley Rd. It was on a piece of land just in front of the railway bridge that linked Annerley Rd and Lindon St.
I went to Dutton Park School, and quite regularly enjoyed a school lunch bought from the factory shop - they provided pies and sausage rolls and small cakes
A great -uncle, Joe Hunter, used to work as a travelling salesman for Webster's at Kedron in the early part of the 20th century.
Hi I’m in envy of you owning this biscuit tin, as I would love to find one myself, as I’m a descendant of David Webster, who founded Webster Biscuits. David was my Great Nan ( Elizabeth Adamson Howard née Webster’s cousin. Which makes David my 1st Cousin 3x removed!
There is a interesting book by Caylie Jeffery called “Under The Lino” that gives you an insight into the Webster family!
In 1883, David as a 19yr old commenced business with Norman McLeod, as Webster & McLeod.
By 1885 (aged 21yrs) David was listed as sole trader in Boggo Road Bakery.
As the business prospered & diversified ithen into cakes & biscuits & the bread making moved to different premises.
David had a chain of cafes, including The Shingle Inn.
David also branched out into catering & hosted several large & significant events including regal & vice regal visits to Queensland..
David was the President of The Queensland Baptist Union. He was also well known in business circles with Who’s Who listing him as the inaugural President of West End Arctic Ice & sister company, Townsville Arctic Ice, forerunners of Peter’s Ice Cream.
By the mid 1960’s the business was sold to George Weston Foods.
Thanks for sharing!
Kind Regards
Robert Strang
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