Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #103951
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Description
Spruce gum boxes or gum books were made and kept as keepsakes.Between 1848 and 1910, Maine was the largest producer of chewing gum in the Northeast. One of the primary ingredients was spruce gum, which was readily available in Maine woods.
Gummers were often lumbermen or trappers who spent long months away from their families and often returned home with gifts, like handmade spruce gum boxes.
This gum box has an inset photograph of a potato picker with a Wabanaki basket on the front, and an interior drawer where lumps of spruce gum were stored.
About This Item
- Title: Spruce gum box, Washburn, ca. 1920
- Creation Date: circa 1920
- Subject Date: circa 1920
- Location: Washburn, Aroostook County, ME
- Media: Wood, glass, paper, steel
- Dimensions: 12.1 cm x 9.9 cm x 4.4 cm
- Local Code: 1998.47.2
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Candy
- Chewing gum industry--Maine
- Chewing gum--Maine
- Gums & resins--Maine
- Personal gear
- Personal items
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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