So I sent an image that clearly showed the Old Slip address in New York and was expecting a correction of the facts according to Red Rose. Just to strengthen my case, I also told her that I live in Maine (in the US) and I used to watch my mother and grandmother retrieve the cards from the boxes of tea. I also said that I knew over 50 people that had recollections of tea cards in US Red Rose products. That correction I was looking for didn't happen but at least they were listening. The response was:

"I am checking further on this."  

OK, that could be promising. So I waited.... and waited.... and waited....

I have to admit that I can see why this is not a top priority for them but.... I couldn't wait any more. After waiting for six months I emailed Mary and told her that I planned to share this news on my website and her response was to wait just a little more while she checked on a few leads. Cool! Now we're getting somewhere!

So shortly after, I got this response:

"I hope I can give you information this time that will not only end the confusion on this matter of the cards, but will also end any discrepancies, etc. that have heretofore been mentioned.

First and foremost, you are really asking the WRONG company, however, we happen to know that the Unilever Company (with whom you really should be dealing with) is not always the most helpful in areas of promotions, etc. You might wonder why we are the wrong company. We license the Red Rose brand from Unilever (who own it) and have zero affiliation wth the Brooke Bond company. Please be advised that all marketing efforts were initiated in Canada. Brooke Bond USA reported to Canada (who reported to the United Kingdom).

Some additional information regarding the card promotion--Most likely the "37 Old Slip" must refer to "Islip" New York, which was the correct address for Brooke Bond US. Most of the promotions run prior to 1970 were not only run in Canada, but also in the United States. However, the promotion would have certainly originated in Canada since that is where all marketing decisions were made at the time.

We simply do not know any more about the promotion. Any archived information would be with Unilever (since they bought Brooke Bond, not Redco Foods).

Before the days of Redco Foods, Brooke Bond USA was really only a sales office. Some marketing functions were also added in the 1970's as Red Rose was rolled out to Florida and other markets, but all production was in Canada. Most of the executives were from England. Fortunately, our company has many links to the past, however, we do not have any of the old records.

I hope this information will satisfy the matter of the cards."  

Does this satisfy the matter of the cards?

No, not really.

OK, I now understand that Red Rose of the US is unaware of it's past. It was suggested I contact Unilever. My initial purpose in contacting Red Rose was to add what I feel is an informative and snazzy web site about their premiums to their links page. It has been 3 months since I got the above reply and I am pretty confident they will not be linking to my site any time soon.