DCHP-1 Online
Here Before Christ Jocular 
a play on the initials H.B.C. for Hudson's Bay Company.
See also: H.B.C. ((2))
- 1872 "Waall now, what's that ar flag, with them letters?" Bill's attention thus directed, fastened itself on the prominent piece of bunting. After some consideration, and much expectoration, he slowly replied: "Le'ss see, 'B.C.' in ancient history means 'Before Christ,' I b'lieve--'tleast so the school-marm used to tell when I was to school--tharfore, I calc'late 'H.B.C.' to mean 'Here before Christ;' fur this 'tarnal location don't 'pear to've bin much overrun with strangers since that period."
- 1936 The above cheque, drawn as a bet, cost the payer $100, much, we understand, to his surprise. He did not believe the bank would recognize "The Here Before Christ Co." as the Hudson's Bay Company.
- 1966 An American prospector . . . once studied the flag for a moment then enquired what the letters meant. "Here before Christ" was old McPherson's reply.
- 1872 "Waall now, what's that ar flag, with them letters?" Bill's attention thus directed, fastened itself on the prominent piece of bunting. After some consideration, and much expectoration, he slowly replied: "Le'ss see, 'B.C.' in ancient history means 'Before Christ,' I b'lieve--'tleast so the school-marm used to tell when I was to school--tharfore, I calc'late 'H.B.C.' to mean 'Here before Christ;' fur this 'tarnal location don't 'pear to've bin much overrun with strangers since that period."