The R.B. and C.G. Stevens Company processed and packed a number of fish products during Maine's canning boom (1875-1950). The canning factory was located at Cross Cove in Jonesport. At its peak, it included a 22-bay smokehouse. River Herring is one of the many canned fish products offered by the Stevens Company - including mackerel, fish flakes, clams, and sardines (younger, smaller herring). The factory was operational until the 1970s and was the last sardine factory in Jonesport.

The recipe included on the label is for Herring Patties. Instructions include removing the center bone from the fish, which was left intact during the canning process. River Herring, a collective term for Blueback Herring and anadromous Alewives, is an ocean fish that returns to the fresh water to spawn. As of the 21st century, Herring has seen a drastic decrease in population attributed to over fishing and environmental factors.