In Halton’s rural farmland, many families had weathered many seasons. Each harvest, for each farmhouse, canning wasn’t just a chore—it was survival. When the final season’s crops were harvested, everyone gathered, fresh fruits and vegetables, wide-mouthed jars, and time-tested recipes.
Canning gave farm families a sense of security—pantries full for lean months and storms that made grocery runs impossible. It also wove generations together. Grandchildren learned the difference between pressure and water bath methods as they scribbled notes beside their grandparents, preserving not just produce but tradition.
By spring, shelves lined with colourful canning jars reflected the family’s hard work. In rural communities, where resources were precious and unpredictability was a constant companion, canning meant resilience.
Did you grow up with rows of glass jars in the pantry? Curious about those old “Crown” and “Gem” jars at antique markets?
Our guest speaker Tom Holbrook, a longtime collector and researcher of Canadian fruit jars was with us on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7pm. Tom gave us a fascinating dive into the world of Canadian canning jars! Tom brings a wealth of knowledge, stories, and rare examples from his personal collection.
We’ll had a spirited Q&A session after the talk, and Tom was happy to take a look at any jars the attendees brought with them.