Crate Label, "River Lad Brand Asparagus," 1940-1950

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 River Lad Brand Asparagus, 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 River Lad Brand Asparagus, were created to attract grocers purchasing goods from wholesale markets.

Artifact

Crate label

Date Made

1940-1950

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.311.142

Credit

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

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Lithography
Printing (Process)

Color

Black (Color)
Blue
Multicolored
Orange (Color)
Red
Yellow

Dimensions

Height: 9 in

Width: 10 in

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