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Remember the pure joy of building blanket forts as a kid? The couch cushions became walls, sheets transformed into ceilings, and a simple blanket became a portal to a world of imagination. But did you know that those cozy havens could have a historical connection to something as grand as the Hudson Bay Company?
You might be thinking, "Wait, what? The company known for trading furs and exploring Canada?" Yes, that's the one! While they might not have been in the business of building pillow castles, the Hudson Bay Company played a significant role in popularizing the very blankets that often formed the foundation of our childhood forts.
Let's rewind a bit. The Hudson Bay Company, established way back in 1670, was a powerhouse in the fur trade. They journeyed across the Canadian wilderness, trading with Indigenous peoples for beaver pelts and other furs. These furs, especially the warm and durable beaver pelts, were highly sought after in Europe.
Now, where do the blankets come in? Well, the Hudson Bay Company started selling these iconic striped wool blankets, often called "point blankets," to the Indigenous communities as part of their trade. These blankets weren't just any blankets; they were incredibly well-made, warm enough to withstand harsh Canadian winters, and became prized possessions.
Over time, these blankets became more than just trade goods; they became symbols of quality, tradition, and even cultural exchange. They found their way into homes across Canada and beyond, eventually becoming synonymous with warmth, comfort, and yes, even those magical blanket forts!
So, the next time you find yourself snuggled under a cozy blanket, take a moment to appreciate the unexpected journey it took to get there. From the fur traders of the Hudson Bay Company to the heart of your childhood memories, it's a story woven into the very fabric of history.
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