Can Label, "Bare Foot Boy Brand Tomatoes," circa 1910

Summary

Manufacturers of similar products sought ways to make their companies' goods stand out on store shelves. Eye-catching and attractive labels encouraged potential customers to purchase the company's product rather than that of a competitor. Characters, like the Bare Foot Boy featured in this label, were common design elements in product advertising, evoking an emotion or personal connection between the product and the customer.

Manufacturers of similar products sought ways to make their companies' goods stand out on store shelves. Eye-catching and attractive labels encouraged potential customers to purchase the company's product rather than that of a competitor. Characters, like the Bare Foot Boy featured in this label, were common design elements in product advertising, evoking an emotion or personal connection between the product and the customer.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)
Lithography

Color

Cream (Color)
Light blue
Multicolored
Navy blue
Red

Dimensions

Height: 4.625 in

Width: 13.75 in

Inscriptions

label contains partial text of Walt Whitman's poem: Blessings on thee / little man, / barefoot boy with / cheek of tan, / with thy rolled up / pantaloons, / and thy merry / whistled tunes. also written on front: Bare foot boy / brand / Tomatoes / packed by: / New Federal Canning Co. / Frankfort, Indiana

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