Crate Label, "Blue Flag Brand Pears," 1920-1970

Summary

In 1869, the transcontinental railroad opened eastern markets to the West Coast produce industry for the first time. As produce companies shipped crates of fruits and vegetables across the country, they needed a way to distinguish their goods from their competitors'. Colorful, eye-catching labels, like this one for Blue Flag Brand Pears, were created to attract grocers purchasing goods from wholesale markets.

In 1869, the transcontinental railroad opened eastern markets to the West Coast produce industry for the first time. As produce companies shipped crates of fruits and vegetables across the country, they needed a way to distinguish their goods from their competitors'. Colorful, eye-catching labels, like this one for Blue Flag Brand Pears, were created to attract grocers purchasing goods from wholesale markets.

Artifact

Crate label

Date Made

1920-1970

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.311.131

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Out of the West Publishing.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)
Lithography

Color

Blue
Light blue
Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in

Width: 11 in

Inscriptions

written on front: Blue Flag / Brand / California / Bartlett / Pears / Di Giorgio / Fruit / Corporation / San Francisco, Calif.

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More