Tea in the Flint

Boivin’s Fancy Teas was established in Fall River by Stanislas Boivin – a French Canadian immigrant – in 1898. The tea shop, located at 770 County Street, was in business for thirty-three years, operating under that name until Mr. Boivin’s death in 1931.

Even though the business would no longer bear the name “Boivin,” their tea legacy continued with his widow, Adelina, who operated Union China Tea Co., Inc. from their residence on County Street. One of their sons, Armand, also worked for the company until it last appeared in the directory in 1962.

While there is not currently much information on Boivin’s Fancy Teas, the area where the store was located tells a story of its own. County Street is in an area of the city known as the Flint and had, by the 1890s, grown to be a booming French-Canadian community.

Notice the rich blue coloring and the use of various fonts. This bag was not only a unit of measurement in which the loose tea was to be sold, but also was an eye-catcher that served as a handy advertisement. The bag presents no wear indicative of use; it is in pristine condition and is a rare survivor.

This simple paper bag for loose tea is a beautiful reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that was born in the Flint.