Crate Label, "Empire Builder Brand Washington Apples," circa 1950

01

Artifact Overview

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 Empire Builder Brand Washington Apples, were created to attract grocers purchasing goods from wholesale markets.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Crate label

Date Made

circa 1950

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.311.153

Credit

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

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)
Lithography

Color

Dark blue
Multicolored
Red

Dimensions

Height: 9 in
Width: 10 in

Inscriptions

written on front: Empire / Builder / Fancy Special Pack / Washington / State Apples / Grown and Packed by / Cashmere Pioneer Growers / Cashmere, Washington / Contents one volume bushel / Schmidt L. Co. Seattle
Crate Label, "Empire Builder Brand Washington Apples," circa 1950