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.
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.
For more information, visit the Lake County Citrus Label Tour Website: www.HistoryofLakeCountyCitrus.com or contact John Jackson: jackson71344@yahoo.com (352) 267-3227
[Contributors: John Jackson and Jason Brown]