Harris Crate

An image of a wooden crate. On it is says G.B. Harris Esq London, Ont. It is followed by Japanese lettering.
A portion of the Harris Crate in the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Japan
Year: ca. 1897
Materials: Wood and paint 

The Harris Family loved travelling, and 1897 marked their first big adventure in the form of a “World Tour.” George and Lucy Harris took their children, Ronald, Milly, and Teddy on parts of the tour. Their first stop in Japan was exciting, as they were able to collect several unique pieces. However, the Harris’ did not lug everything around the world with them, opting to send some items home after purchase. This is a piece of a crate that arrived in London from Japan. On it, the name of George Harris and his address is visible in Japanese and in English.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.