Souvenir spoon: Dorchester, Massachusetts

1895-1910

Measurements

4-3/4 in x 1 in x 3/4 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1158

Inscription

“Walter Baker & Co. Limited / Dorchester / Mass. / Established 1780 / Breakfast Cocoa” is in the bowl.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

This spoon celebrates a particular business in Dorchester, Massachusetts:   the Walter Baker & Company, which was the largest producer of chocolate in the country.  According to the inscription in the bowl, the business was established in 1780, but histories of the company disclose that that date marked the consolidation of two closely related businesses.  The business was incorporated as Walter Baker & Co. Limited in 1895, which likely inspired the offering of the spoon.  In 1927, the company was acquired by General Foods.

The apron-clad serving woman depicted at the tip of the handle was an advertising symbol of the company.  She holds a tray with chocolate drinks.

The spoon has no maker's or other marks.