The Grub Box

The Box. These are unique and fun items of household furniture in the Labrador tradition where spare time and scrap materials were used to satisfy the need for artistic expression and provide a functional piece of double-purpose furniture.  Each piece is different and functions as a storage unit, and a seat, stand, table or just a conversation peice.  In the true and historic sense the Grub Box was just that: a watertight box in which was packed all the grub needed for a winter trip on komotik or to accompany the crew to the fishing grounds during "jigging" time when they would be out all day, or on extended trips such as hunting expeditions.

Mike Martin, owner of Michael J. Martin Luxury Renovations of Ottawa, builds and donates these boxes as his annual contribution to the cause.  He does not necessarily make them in the traditional grub box pattern, and uses only three criteria:  they must be fun, they must be functional and they must be made only of whatever scrap material he can find around his workshop - just like in the old days. Typically about 40 hours of work will go into their construction and finishing.

Mike's grub boxes have become the centrepiece for the auctions. They are truly unique: one of a kind and only one produced each year. They are now much sought-after collectors items. The artist signs each piece of his work.

The Contents. Before the auction the box is stocked with traditional (and sometimes not so traditional) food and other attractive items. For instance there is always a jar or two of preserved wild game - partridge, rabbit, duck, etc. There is will also be a jar of bakeapple jam and partridge berry (redberry) jam. There will be a bag of hard tack, a package of pork scrunchions, and a package of dried, salt cod to complete the ingredients for fish-and-brewis. A bag of pork buns or a pack of fresh toutons might also be included. There will be a package of Purity buiscuits, peppermind knobs and lassie kisses as well as a bottle of Purity fruit syrup. But sadly, with the passing of Uncle Cyril Michelin, there is no longer any remaining stock of his classic dogberry wine. However, another vintner has taken up the responsibility of producing wine using Uncle Cyril's special recipe, so at least one bottle is provided for the grub box every year. This is a huge treat in itself. To complete the collection there will likely be a pair of home made Sunday-go-to-meetin' fancy mitts or gloves and maybe a pair of home-knitted socks. Essential items to pack for any trip if you're going crusin'.

The auction of the Grub Box and its contents is an important fund-raiser at the annual reunion. A lot of fun goes into the bidding, which is always very competitive and much enjoyed by all. In the three years since its inception, the Grub Boxes have gone for between $475.00 and $650.00 and the competition grows every year. We expect it will probably reach $1,000 within the next two years.

It is all for good fun, for a good cause, and great value for the money. Besides you also get bragging rights that you own a unique "Mike Martin Grub Box" in your living room, not to mention the fine scoff.

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