Producers Milk Co. 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)

Creator Notes

Manufactured by the Sealright Company, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, for Producers Milk Co., Cleveland, Ohio.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

71.1.1538

Credit

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

Material

Cardboard
Wax

Color

Blue
Red

Dimensions

Height: 3.25 in
Width: 2.75 in
Length: 2.75 in

Inscriptions

on sides of carton: TO OPEN / GRADE / A / PASTEURIZED / HOMOGENIZED / STANDARDIZED / 3.5% BUTTERFAT / PRODUCERS / VITAMIN D MILK / GRADE A / PASTEURIZED HOMOGENIZED / STANDARDIZED 3.5% BUTTERFAT / VITAMIN D / MILK / 400 U. S. P. UNITS VITAMIN D ADDED PER QUART / PRODUCERS MILK CO. / CLEVELAND, OHIO 44109 / HALF PINT on top folds: 8 - 9419 - 2 - EZ / 8 - 9419 - 3 - EZ / Sealright / SEALKING [R] PLASTIC COATED CARTON / 5 M - GT / MFD. BY SEALRIGHT CO., INC., KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64112 / SEE OTHER SIDE on top folds: FLAP / 2 / TO FORM SPOUT / FLAP / PULL FLAPS FORWARD / 1 / PUSH FLAPS BACK AGAINST / CARTON TOP AND RELEASE / TO OPEN