So many of you commented about Laura Secord Chocolates on yesterday's post, I thought I'd expand a bit on this cultural phenomenon for the benefit of non-Canadian readers.
In 1913 on the centennial of Laura Secord's historic walk, Frank P. O'Connor established a chocolate store in Toronto and named it in her honour. The popular business expanded and today there are 120 stores across Canada. The Laura Secord line of products includes fine chocolates and rich ice cream. Now in 2013, the company is celebrating its own centennial. If you want to check out its website, click here.
Laura Secord Chocolates has probably done more to keep Laura Secord's name alive in the minds of Canadians than any other thing. Sad but true, LOL! Canadians tend to ignore our own history on the mistaken assumption that it is boring. I beg to differ, but that's another subject.
When I first decided to write this series on the War of 1812, I thought I'd do a giveaway for the Laura Secord post of . . . you guessed it . . . a box of Laura Secord chocolates. But then I discovered that Edmonton no longer has a Laura Secord store -- too much competition here in Alberta from Purdy's of British Columbia, I guess.
Oh well, if you're craving chocolate, you'll just have to enter my Chocolate Stanley Cup giveaway instead (even though it's Hershey's) but hurry! The Chicago Blackhawks could win the Stanley Cup tomorrow night and then the contest will close. Click here!
A LATE-BREAKING POST SCRIPT -- Hey everyone! Be sure to check out today's fun blog post from Francie of a North End Journal -- she participated in the Bicentennial Laura Secord Walk yesterday and has great photos to share! Click here!
24 comments:
we have a Laura Sea cord still in our small town and I remember my Mum getting them as a gift way back when, I have been gifted them every year since I had our first child, sometimes when we walk in the Mall I stop in for just one, or two, or six!ha ha, I enjoyed your series, you are a great teacher my dear!!!I had a friend here in this apartment building that grew up in an apartment above this candy shop in Hamilton , she said you could smell chocolate all the time!!She died last year at 96,
oh no...no laura secord's in edmonton? time to move!
did someone say chocolate?!
haven't heard of this brand
As far as I know, we still have one store left in the St. Vital Mall. If ever you want a fix, just let me know! I'd be happy to send you some. Now Purdy's is one I have heard about and am dying to try!
This is not good news! But never fear Debra. The minute - the absolute second you have a craving for Laura Secord chocolate you just let me know. I'll have a box in the mail faster than you can say 'We won the War of 1812!"
We are all just devastated by the news of the flooding out there. Been watching for news about Edmonton ... ???
wish someone would make Dezzy chocolates too!
I have a Laura Secord within a few minutes walking distance from my home. This should be an incentive for you to come visit Kingston!
Those devastating floods are all over the news. How are you doing out there???
So Commander Fitzgibbon didn't reward Secord for her timely warning by giving her a chocolate making factory? Huh? Who knew?
You don't have a Laura Secord store?? That's not right!! I love Canadian history! Take Care ;o)
Sad how the best bits of history tend to get so commercialized that the history itself is clouded by the coin. Now (mostly because I'm a rebel) I'll think of Laura every time I eat chocolate ;-D
I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of Laura Secord, but now I love her immensely. Her memory is a sweet blessing.
xoRobyn
I hope you and yours are okay! I know Canada has had some really bad flooding, including Alberta.
Just generally sending good wishes to the North.
So that's sort of like the time my friend and his (now ex) girlfriend were looking at the stars and he referenced Galileo. And she said, "Is he the guy who makes the wine?" Try story!
Meant "true" story.
Laura Secord fine chocolate ? Just what my jumbo ass doesn't need.lol
As a non-Canadian, I appreciate this, but as a chocolate lover (and a non-Canadian), I'm sad I can never actually find out how it tastes.
years and years ago (68) I had made friends with a Canadian couple that were holiday'ing in Portland ...they invited me to come visit them and did and had a wonderful time...and I keep thinking they gave me some Laura Secord Chocolates to take home..
Those chocolates look amazing. I hadn't heard of them until your post. I will have to have my husband track some down on his next business trip into Canada.
My favorite chocolate company is also named after a woman, Mary See. She may not have been a war hero, but starting the See's chocolate company makes her a hero in my book!
I can't possibly comment on the chocolate because I'm tooo excited to find that you are still blogging. I've changed my name, had a facelift but I'm backkkkk :)
Darnit, I missed the chance to win some Laura Secord.
wh00t...
purdy's chocolates in b.c. were far superior to secord... according to MY tastebuds ;)
I love, Love, LOVE Laura Secord French Mint bars!! They are my fave!
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