Donwell Dairy Milk Carton

01

Artifact Overview

The quest for a shatter-proof milk container prompted John Van Wormer to patent a paper carton in 1915. Many processors and distributors continued to use breakable glass bottles, but, after 1937, mechanized production made the disposable, wax-coated folded cartons inexpensive and indispensable liquid containers. The iconic design, a box with a gable-end top that, when opened, creates a pouring spout, remains the industry standard today.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Carton (Container)

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

71.1.1650

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of David M. Gwinn.

Material

Cardboard

Color

White (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 9.25 in
Width: 3.75 in
Length: 3.75 in

Inscriptions

on front and back of carton: TO OPEN / DONWELL / VITAMIN D / MILK / DONWELL / DAIRY / HOMOGENIZED / PASTEURIZED / MILK / VITAMIN D ADDED / 400 U. S. P. UNITS / VITAMIN D ADDED / PER QUART / DONWELL DAIRY / Burnett Rd., Chicopee Falls, Mass. 01020 / ONE HALF GALLON on side of carton: EZEE OPEN CARTON / PUSH FLAPS BACK / PULL FLAPS FORWARD / something new / especially for you! / EZEE / OPEN / MILK CARTON / It doesn't resist! It doesn't fight back! / It just opens with a push and a pull! / you'll love it! on side of carton: DONWELL / Fresh / From Farm / To Customer / HOMOGENIZED / MILK on top folds: FLAP / FLAP / TO FORM SPOUT / PULL FLAPS FORWARD / 1 / PUSH FLAPS BACK AGAINST / CARTON TOP AND RELEASE / TO OPEN on top folds: 64-9806-1-EZ / Sealright / SEALKING [R] PLASTIC COATED CARTON / SK-GT / MFD. BY SEALRIGHT CO., INC., KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64112 / SEE OTHER SIDE / PROCESSED AND PACKAGED AT PLANT 20-82