An Inspection of Liquor in the 1860's
A Brief History
PART ONE
A painting of the The
Discovery
- Image courtesy of the BC Archives
A Brief History
PART ONE
A painting of the The
Discovery
- Image courtesy of the BC Archives
From the earliest days
of exploration alcohol has always been part and parcel to travel. As the
Maritime explorers made their way to North America they always had a healthy
supply of "grog" kept on board their ship. If they were running low at any
point than they simply went to shore to brew up a fresh batch of their home-made
"spruce beer." 2
In a journal kept while traveling along side Captain George Vancouver
during his voyage of exploration, Thomas Manby writes:
So, it is hardly surprising, that once explorers and traders started to permanently settle on Vancouver Island they brought their love of the drink with them. It was soon discovered that there was profit in trading liquor with the Native inhabitants of the Island. At first it was not welcomed by the Indians, but the trade was quickly developed by the white traders. In Forty Years Journey, Harold Allen quotes historian F.W. Howay, "the first liquor was brought by sailing vessels to the Indians of the North-West Coast as stock in trade. The Natives spat it out as an unfamiliar and undesirable drink. The liking for it was specifically developed by the white traders." 4 By 1800, rum had become on of the staples of the Maritime fur trade.. . .the shores every where abounded with large timber close down to the water side no time was lost. in laying in our stock to these essential articles. The spruce Fir and tea trees growing in the greatest abundance . . . we commenced the work of providing the Ships Company with that most excellent [?] spruce Beer. a place is cleared away on the shore for the Boilers. and a Tent erected for the convenience of the brewers, in four days it was fit for drinking. which proved superior to any. I ever tasted. 3
CONTINUE TO PART TWO OF "A BRIEF HISTORY"