Flag of Old Hudson Bay Company
As Old Man Winter settles into the Northern Hemisphere, and we don our furs of natural and synthetic origins. Here is a little bit of interesting Heraldry of one of North America's oldest and richest companies to generate income - the Hudson Bay Company. In the US mind this is simply a foot note in some history exam, but in Canada it is a shopping mall. Yes Virginia the Hudson Bay Company is still selling "furs''... since 1670. On May 2, 2010 the Hudson Bay Company celebrated its 340th year in operation.
US states that were a part of the Hudson Bay Company charter included Minnesota, the Dakotas and Montana.
Original Coat of Arms
The original arms of this oldest of American Companies has the red cross of St. George with a four beavers in each corner. The supporters are two deer. At the Helm is a house of piers hat and in the crest is a red fox facing to the left. The motto in Latin reads Pro Pelle Cutem. In traditional translation this means, "a skin for a skin."The modern corporate arms kept the basic design but is all black and white. Four horizontal colour bands separated by white stripes make up the background - green, red, yellow, and blue. The motto was also changed into English and French - Since 1670 Depuis.
Modern Corporate Logo
Here are three commercials that reflect the 3 main types of Canadians
Patriotic Angloite Canucks
Wacky and Fun Loving Cnuckers
Artistic and Elegant Qebekerites
Link to Modern Hudson Bay Co.
Click Here for Part II
