Historical information

This tin once contained McKenzie’s baking powder, a cooking ingredient. It was donated with other similar tins that were used by the donor’s mother who was married in 1932. It those times in Australia all manner of household items, including food and drink, were sold by hawkers (salesmen) who travelled from door to door in both suburban and rural areas. The donor remembered the bicarb soda tin on her mother’s pantry shelf.

The McKenzie’s Baking Powder label adds the information that the ingredients were “Prepared with Aerophos, Regd. Trade Mark, the finest raising ingredient. A product of Albright & Wilson, Australia Pty. Ltd.” It also says that it “Excels all others in use”.

The Australian family business, McKenzie’s Foods, began in Melbourne in 1852 and continues today, now run be the fifth generation of descendants from the original owners. Its baking and cookery products are well recognised by Australians.

Significance

This tin originates in the early 1900s from an Australian company that is now managed by fifth generation descendants of the original family after its inception in 1852.

The tin increases in significance for its use as a recognised object found in many Australian kitchens since early days. It gives a snapshot into domestic life and social norms of the pre and post war period in Melbourne

The tin is significant for its association with a local family in the 1930s for the preparation of family meals.

Physical description

Tin container, cylindrical, with cream paper label with gold highlights, motif and text. Used for selling McKenzie’s Excelsior baking powder. Container has push-on lid. Quantity of 1/2 LB. NETT. Made in Australia by Jas. F. McKenzie & Co. Pty Ltd.

Inscriptions & markings

Text includes “JAS. F. McKENZIE & CO. PTY. LTD. / AUSTRALIA“ “McKENZIE’S EXCELSIOR / BAKING POWDER”.
Motif: man’s portrait within oval frame with wheat sheaf border, placed below figures of sun, moon and stars. Information and instructions.