Sardines were big business in Lubec, from the late 19th Century to well past mid 20th Century. The industry also partied big as this image shows, the band practicing in a packing room set for many guests. Presumably a Christmas party, a Christmas tree is in front of a window at the rear, right of center. The R. J. Peacock Canning Company was among the biggest, and under altered corporate structure still extant in 2010.