1880s - Citrus Labels
In the 1880s, oranges were being shipped to markets in wooden crates.
Growers began developing their own labels in order to stand out against the other competing groves. Some growers had a label for their fruit even though they did not have a packinghouse. They used their own colorful and unique labels to market their excellent tasting fruit. Those who knew the growers that produced high quality fruit could recognize it by the labels.
Most packers had several labels they could use. The primary color of the label indicated the grade of the citrus in the box. Blue was US #1, the best quality from the packer. Red was US #2, a step down and occasionally another color was used for fruit not making US #1 or US #2. It should be noted that almost all the Florida fruit that did not meet US #1 standard was due to external appearance. The internal quality was the same! Florida conditions, namely a hot wet summer, produced a large number of pests that would damage the surface of the fruit. The primary one is very small mite, specifically the rust mite. This pest can produce a dark brown or russet blemish on the surface of the fruit. Several fungal organisms also can cause damage to the peal. Melanose produces small raised spots producing a fine “sand paper’ feel. When heavy, these lesions can cover a large portion of the fruit surface as well. Windy conditions during spring when the fruit are small cause surface damage as well (this is known as wind scar – the small fruit would rub against leaves producing a superficial blemish to the peel).
Florida growers have to deal with these superficial blemishes because the consumer is looking for a perfect looking piece of fruit. Sugar content can not be determined by looking the fruit, so don’t be quick to decide that if an orange is not perfect on the outside that does not mean it will not taste good. Some Florida citrus might not be the prettiest in the bin, but they can not be beat for taste.
The labels continued until shortly after World War II, when metal and wood shortages led to the invention of cardboard shipping boxes with pre-printed names.
The roughly 60 year span, during which the labels were used, created a colorful and creative history of the early marketing of the citrus industry.
Grove Fruit Packing Co., Groveland, FL These labels are from Peter Micheloni, an ltalian immigrant, who arrived in Groveland by way of Chicago. He established a packinghouse in Groveland and Mascotte providing the economic foundation for the community, He worked hard, invested wisely, and treated employees like family. Like all the other packing houses, Peter had several labels for the fruit he shipped. Jane Micheloni Geraci, Peter's oldest daughter, remembers packing many a box of Lake County citrus at the family facility. The most frequent label used on fruit from the Micheloni packing house was Pine lsland. The Beach Lake label was also popular and was used by the Carter family that purchased the Micheloni facility in 1965.
For more information about the Micheloni family CLICK HERE!
The Lake County citrus industry was the dynamic force in Lake County for more than 100 years, There were many dedicated people involved at all levels of the industry - from those that harvested, packed, processed, and grew the crop to those that marketed and supported the industry. For many years, Lake County was the second largest producer of fruit in the state; only Polk County grew more boxes. At one time, there were more than 11 million citrus trees in the county on 140,000 acres. Peak production in 198O saw the county harvest 44 million boxes of fruit. That is over 15 billion pieces of fruit harvested by hand! That is 4 billion pounds that were transported to a facility to juice or pack the fruit. There were 26 fresh fruit packinghouses and 5 juice plants in Lake County, The industry provided jobs for 29,000 individuals and generated an economic impact of $900 million, Each acre captured 1,25 million gallons of rainfall each year. Citrus filtered 175 billion gallons of water each year to recharge the aquifer. The industry provided a substantial portion of the ad valorem tax dollars to operate the county, but required very little services. The story of the Lake County citrus industry is one of hard-working people dealing with a wide range of challenges from freezes to pests to foreign competition.
The Lake County Historical Society, in conjunction with the many historical organizations throughout Lake County, and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame are going to tell the story of Lake County citrus through a Citrus Label Tour, Travelers can see old Lake County through the twelve 4 foot by 4 foot crate label signs as they visit locations that once had citrus packinghouses from one end of the county to the other. At one time there were more than fifty fresh fruit packing facilities in Lake County. The Citrus Label Tour gives folks the opportunity to hit the road and see Lake County up close; to experience small towns, enjoy rural drives, venture into new venues, dine at a variety of restaurants and get a true feel for this magnificent area that once was dominated by citrus groves, juice plants, packinghouses and all the support industries to keep the citrus giant going.
Along with the tour, travelers can discover a wealth of information about the citrus industry via the website at www.historyoflakecountycitrus.com. Download the map and information for your first day's drive. Once on the road for one day, you will be anxious to complete the adventure - it may take several days depending on how long you linger to shop and dine. Whether it is just you or a couple or an SUV full of exuberant travelers, the Citrus Label Tour offers day trips full of history and adventure for all to enjoy. Special appreciation to citrus families and organizations that have sponsored the tour. Learn the stories and history of an industry that dominated Lake County for more than 125 years, Simply scan the QR code on the label sign! Thanks to the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for their support, enthusiasm and endorsement of the Lake County Citrus Label Tour.
For more information, visit the Lake County Citrus Label Tour Website: www.HistoryofLakeCountyCitrus.com or contact John Jackson: jackson71344@yahoo.com
More Citrus Labels can be viewed in these collections: JERRY CHICONE JR. CITRUS CRATE LABEL COLLECTION and FSW Fruit and Vegetable Labels
[Contributors: The Lake County Historiccal Society, John Jackson, Jason Brown]