Gordon Stevens, the Halifax entre- preneur behind Uncommon Grounds coffee shops and I Love Local Halifax, thinks it’s time to start celebrating the companies that helped shape Nova Scotia. “You see these graphic tees with things like ‘Bob’s Bait Shack’ on them. They’re completely made-up, but people buy them by the tens of thousands,” says Stevens. “We have something real for people to remember.” And it’s important to Stevens that people start sharing those stories.

After bouncing the idea around for about five years, Stevens decided to open Lost Cod Clothing Co., a shop on the Halifax 251 ppi waterfront that, ironically, bears a vague resemblance to a bait shack. Visitors can choose from a variety of vintage Nova Scotian logos, from Bluenose Ginger Ale to Bell Packing Co. Next, they pick out a hoodie or a t-shirt, and voila! Instant, customized souvenir – or declaration of Nova Scotian pride.

Lost Cod uses logos and branding that either reflect a deep history in the community, or highlight the way life once was in Nova Scotia. In some cases, the shirts tell sadder stories – about how government involvement can sometimes hurt businesses. Stellarton’s Clairtone factory is a perfect example.

Ultimately, Stevens wants the next generation to understand that “everything doesn’t come off a container in China. We used to make stuff.” He references Nova Scotia Carriages and Motor Car Co, which once made luxury cars that cost four times as much as Model Ts. He hopes that if people continue to talk and share tales about these businesses past, the stories will inspire new ideas, and Nova Scotians will start building something new from the remnants of their lost history.

Sarah Sawler