The Oldest Pesticide Container in Rochester

You can some interesting things at rummage sales in southeast Minnesota-- like what appears to be the oldest container of pesticide in Rochester.

I spotted this container last Saturday at the Paw and Claws Humane Society Rummage Sale at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. The first picture is a little blurry, but the container (which was one of those Ajax type containers) states that it contains 'Sow-Bug Cutworm Bait.'

Now, I'm not even exactly sure what that is, but I'm guessing it's some sort of insecticide. The label on the container and the font used on it make the container appear to have some years on it. But upon closer inspection, I found the store tag from Montgomery Ward on the side. (And for then-high price of $3.39!)

Now, a THIS article shows that the Montgomery Ward chain went out of business back in the year 2000. So, it's at least 16 years old. But THIS site, that chronicles the history of Rochester's own Apache Mall, seems to indicate the store here in southeast Minnesota closed even earlier than that.

The container itself looks to me like it was produced WELL before the year 2000. I'm guessing it's probably from the early 80's or maybe even the late 70's. I'm guessing it was found when someone was likely cleaning out their parents' or grandparents' garage, and wanted to help Paws and Claws out, so they donated it to the rummage sale.

The price on it was only a quarter, so I probably should have bought it-- if only for the nostalgia. It's like a walk down memory lane to when I was a kid.

Although, come to think of it, it's probably a good thing I didn't buy it, because I'd then have to figure out how to dispose of it. Who knows what chemicals are in it!

Have you ever seen something vintage like this at a garage or rummage sale?