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Harney examines tea’s history, taxes and tariffs at Scoville Library
Harney examines tea’s history, taxes and tariffs at Scoville Library
Harney started with the establishment of the British East India Company in 1600, when Queen Elizabeth I granted a group of London merchants and explorers a charter to open up trade with all countries east of the Cape of Good Hope at the southernmost part of Africa and west of the Straits of Magellan at the southernmost part of South America. This large area was known as the “East Indies” and the Spanish and Portuguese had established a significant trade presence there prior to British involvement.
Mike Harney of Harney & Sons Fine Teas speaks at the Scoville Memorial Library Saturday, April 18 about the beverage’s importance throughout American history.Patrick L. Sullivan
“The Queen set it up to make money,” Harney said.
Harney said there were two other reasons for importing tea and making it more widely available in Great Britain.
“People liked it, and it was better for people than gin.”
The British colonists in North America brought their tea habit with them.
Harney said the French and Indian War, while militarily successful for the British, left them with significant war debt.
The East India Company had its own financial problems at the time as well.
So Parliament enacted a tax on tea, a move that backfired when it proved hugely unpopular with the American colonists.
Harney said he has recently traveled to Mozambique and Kenya in search of new teas, in part because of tariffs on Chinese goods.
“So taxes were a problem then and now.”
He said green tea is the easiest to produce and that the tea thrown into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party in 1773 was almost certainly green tea from China. In response to a question, Harney said the British and Indian tea trade didn’t take off until the 1820s.
Following the talk, attendees gathered outside to sample a variety of teas, and receive a free tin of Harney’s Library Blend.
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A roadside view of the new 8,000-square-foot animal shelter in West Cornwall. A public open house is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jennifer Almquist
The new building features quarantine areas, noise mitigation, dedicated adoption and socialization spaces, and a large multi-purpose community room for clinics, training, education, volunteer programs and community events.
Jenny Langendoerfer, Executive Director of The Little Guild, said the new facility will “have a profound impact in how we can care for animals and serve our community.” She said the design incorporates years of thoughtful planning and research, creating a calmer, more supportive environment that reduces stress, improve health outcomes, shortens stays and leads to more successful adoptions.
The project was funded entirely through private donations and community foundations, and the building will be named in honor of Robert R. Rosenheim.
Marley, age four, available for adoption through The Little GuildProvided
“We are honored to carry forward his legacy of love for animals,” Langendoerfer said, adding that “the Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation has been our partner from day one.”
Little Guild Board President and Goshen resident Kelly Bozzuto said the new facility marks a major milestone for The Little Guild and those who believe in its mission.
“We are grateful for our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters whose efforts made this possible,” Bozzuto said. “This facility will help us continue rescuing, healing, and finding loving homes for cats and dogs for generations to come.”
Karen Doeblin, former Little Guild board president, who oversaw the capital campaign and construction of the new facility, added, “This building is the result of countless people giving generously of their time, talent, and resources. It feels terrific to know we’ll be here helping animals for many years to come.”
Cookie, age 10, available for adoption through The Little GuildProvided
Richard Schlesinger, former CBS correspondent and Cornwall resident – and member of the Little Guild Advisory Council – said, “Every dog and cat that goes out this door to their forever home, has a life that is so much better than they could have imagined.”
Salisbury resident Maria Horn, CT State Representative for the 64th assembly district, added, “As a family who has made rescue dogs a cherished part of our lives, I’m looking forward to seeing the new facility.”
The Little Guild is dedicated to rescuing and nurturing homeless dogs and cats for adoption into safe and caring homes. Founded in 1960, the Little Guild is the largest animal shelter in Northwest Connecticut, with one of the highest save rates nationally for a no-kill shelter. They broke ground for this building in May 2024.
For more information, visit littleguild.org.
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