source: https://www.hbcheritage.ca/things/fashion-pop/hbc-point-blanket Origins Throughout the 18th century, wool blankets were among the most popular trade items in the Canadian fur trade, accounting for more than 60% of all goods exchanged by 1700. Although blankets had been a trade good offered for some time, it was not until 1779 that the item that would become the iconic Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket was born. “The world’s most famous blankets” advertisement, autumn 1955. HBC Corporate Collection. In November 1779, independent fur trader Germain Maugenest met with HBC’s Board at Hudson’s Bay House in London to deliver his “Proposals of the Terms” under which he would enter into Hudson’s Bay Company’s service. He offered several suggestions for improving the growing inland trade from Fort Albany along the west coast of James Bay. Among his terms was a suggestion that the Company should regularly stock and trade “pointed” blankets. By December 1779, sample ...
A little bit of collecting and crafting