Every cup of tea has a story.
Some stories begin with the planting of leaves.
Some begin around a kitchen table.
Some Travel across oceans.
And some stories begin on a small island, where a young person’s dreams grow into a Legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The Cape Breton Tea Company is honoured to introduce:
A blend created to celebrate the story of Obediah E. Smith (1863–1934) — a son of Port Hood Island, a successful tea entrepreneur, and a man whose generosity left lasting gifts for the people of Inverness County.
The affirmation chosen for this blend is:
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
A beautiful reflection of a life lived not only for personal success, but for the betterment of community.
Born in 1863, Obediah E. Smith grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of Port Hood Island — ocean waves, hardworking families, community connections, and the resilience that shaped many Cape Breton stories.
His path eventually led him into the world of tea through his work with Morse’s Tea Company. After years of dedication, learning, and understanding the tea industry from the inside, Obediah went on to purchase the company himself.
But perhaps the greatest part of his story is not simply what he built.
It is what he gave back.
The success of the company became a way to support the communities and people who had shaped him. His generosity contributed to important initiatives including support for Inverness Hospital, Bayview Education Center, and other programs throughout Inverness County.
His story reminds us that true abundance is not measured only by what we achieve — but by what we are able to share.
One of the most romantic and adventurous pieces of Obediah’s story is that he travelled with his new bride to China on a tea shopping expedition.
Imagine stepping into the world of tea plantations — walking among rows of carefully tended plants, meeting growers, smelling freshly processed leaves, and tasting the incredible variety of teas created through generations of knowledge.
Among these teas would have been oolong — a tea celebrated for its complexity, craftsmanship, and balance.
It is this spirit of exploration that inspired 1897 GenerosiTEA.
A blend honouring tradition while inviting us to experience tea in a new way.
Many of us grew up with a familiar tea tradition:
A pot of orange pekoe resting at the back of the stove, ready throughout the day.
It represented hospitality.
A neighbour stopping by.
A conversation beginning.
A problem shared.
A celebration enjoyed.
1897 GenerosiTEA honours that tradition while introducing a new experience through oolong.
Oolong offers depth and character while inviting curiosity — much like Obediah’s own journey from Cape Breton shores into the wider world of tea.
Oolong: Wisdom & TransformationOolong carries the energy of balance.
Partially oxidized between green and black tea, it symbolizes transition — the beauty that happens in the space between where we have been and where we are going.
Spiritually, oolong invites:
A perfect tribute to someone who honoured his roots while creating something new.
Rooibos: The Heart of GenerosityNaturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, rooibos brings warmth and grounding.
Its essence represents:
It is the comforting embrace within the cup.
A reminder that generosity begins in the heart.
Blueberries & Berries: The Treasures of HomeAcross the fields surrounding Port Hood, blueberries connect us back to the land.
Small but powerful, berries remind us of:
Like the people and stories of Cape Breton, berries carry strength in a small package.
We are excited to launch 1897 GenerosiTEA on Thursday, June 4 as part of Craft Week, celebrated through the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design.
This launch brings together many threads:
stories of growing up on Port Hood Island the history and generosity of Obediah E. Smith tea traditions passed through families the craftsmanship of blending tea community storytelling
We are especially honoured to celebrate the work of the Chestico Museum, whose dedication preserves the stories of the people who lived, worked, dreamed, and created the history of this region.
The Cape Breton Tea Company is proud to support fundraising efforts that help keep these stories alive.
Because when we remember where we came from, we better understand the legacy we are creating.
Port Hood Island Blueberry Iced TeaA refreshing celebration of local flavour.
Lightly crush blueberries to release their flavour.
Combine ingredients in a pitcher.
Allow to infuse for 1–2 hours.
Serve over ice and enjoy while sharing stories.
Perfect for gatherings.
Pour tea over frozen berries, top with sparkling water, and garnish.
A beautiful toast to generosity.
A warm drink honouring comfort and tradition.
Hold your cup and repeat:
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
A beautiful way to preserve the flavour of the blend.
Enjoy with biscuits, scones, or fresh bread — the perfect companion to storytelling.
The berry and oolong notes in 1897 GenerosiTEA pair beautifully with:
Brie or CamembertSoft creamy cheeses allow the berry flavours to shine.
Serve with:
Aged White CheddarThe sharper flavour balances the natural sweetness of berries and rooibos.
Try:
A slice of cheddar
A spoon of GenerosiTEA jam
A warm cup of tea
Simple and perfect.
Chocolate and berries are natural friends.
Try pairing 1897 GenerosiTEA with:
For an extra special treat:
Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground tea leaves into your favourite brownie recipe.
The oolong adds depth.
The berries add brightness.
The story adds meaning.
The story of Obediah E. Smith invites us into reflection.
What gifts have others shared that shaped your life?
What skills, kindness, stories, or Wisdom have you received?
And what generosity are you offering forward?
Sometimes we think legacy is something created at the end of a journey.
But perhaps legacy is created every day.
In the conversations we have.
The kindness we offer.
The communities we support.
The stories we preserve.
With each cup of 1897 GenerosiTEA, may we remember the resilience of those who came before us — and the generosity we can continue to share.
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
A cup of history.
A cup of community.
A cup of generosity. 
Are you ready to try some fun? Check out this post about Obediah Smith, as well as a Jigsaw Puzzle from the Chestico Museum archives.
The post 1897 GenerosiTEA: A Cup of History, Heart & the Legacy of Giving first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.
Originally Published on https://greenwellcenter.com/
