Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Labatt's corporate drinking songs of the Great Depression


Here's a fun bit of history for beer, music and communications industry fans.

I found this artifact at an antiques sale in Kingston, Ontario. I estimate its vintage as 1930s, based on the label on the IPA bottle on the front cover, as well as by the design. 

Note that many of the popular folk and drinking songs have had their lyrics modified to make in-jokes about beer, brewing, and the Labatt family. Also, cringe at the casual racism ("darkies") of the time.

An interesting peek into early 20th century morale-building HR campaigns from one of Canada's major beer brands.
















More on Labatt's history here.

Cross-posted on Retronaut.




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