Rare 1910s Salem County Tomato Label Defies Time

Step back in time with this extraordinary piece of Americana! Behold the antique 1910s "Defy The World" Tomatoes Can Label, a true gem from the golden age of South Jersey's tomato industry. Crafted by the legendary Sam'l L. Kelty & Son in Quinton, Salem County, New Jersey, this label is not just a piece of paper – it's a window into a bygone era! 

Measuring an impressive 14" x 4 1/2", this label is in phenomenal condition with little to no wear. It's like finding a pristine fossil from the Jurassic era, but instead of dinosaurs, we're talking tomatoes!

Picture this: It's the early 1900s, and Salem County is the beating heart of New Jersey's tomato belt. Amidst the bustling canneries, Sam'l L. Kelty & Son's small family outfit stands tall, churning out their flagship product – canned tomatoes that dared to "DEFY THE WORLD." Talk about confidence! These weren't just any tomatoes; they were a bold statement, a local pride bottled up and ready to take on global competitors.

The label itself is a masterpiece of early 20th-century advertising. Imagine the vibrant reds and greens popping off the shelf, catching the eye of every shopper. The dramatic "Defy The World" tagline wasn't just catchy – it was a battle cry for local produce! This wasn't just about selling tomatoes; it was about putting Quinton, Salem County on the map!

But wait, there's more! The man behind this tomato empire, Samuel Lewis Kelty (1843-1929), wasn't just any entrepreneur. Born and bred in New Jersey, he was a family man who turned canning into an art form. Imagine him and his son (either Thomas Jefferson or Harlan B. Kelty) working side by side, perfecting their craft and building a legacy that would outlast them both.

Fast forward to today, and these labels have become the Holy Grail for collectors. They're not just pieces of paper; they're time capsules, preserving the spirit of local entrepreneurship and the golden age of American advertising. Museums are clamoring for them, art institutions are dedicating entire galleries to showcase them – talk about a glow-up for a humble tomato label!

But here's the kicker – you don't need to visit a museum to own a piece of this history. Imagine this label, with its bold colors and audacious slogan, adorning your wall. It's not just decor; it's a conversation starter, a piece of Salem County history right in your living room!

And let's not forget the Kelty family legacy. Samuel Lewis Kelty, the mastermind behind this tomato empire, now rests in East View Cemetery in Salem, NJ. But his spirit lives on in every label, in every can of tomatoes that dared to defy the world.

So, whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good tomato, this antique 1910s "Defy The World" label is more than just a collectible. It's a slice of American history, a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of Salem County, and a bold statement piece for your home. Don't let this rare opportunity slip through your fingers – after all, how often do you get the chance to own a piece of history that's both beautiful and delicious?

Remember, these labels are becoming increasingly scarce. Their historical significance and the unparalleled lithography process used in their creation make them true treasures. The soaring demand from museums and art institutions only adds to their value. This isn't just a purchase; it's an investment in a piece of Americana that's sure to appreciate over time.

So why settle for ordinary decor when you can have a piece of Salem County history on your wall? This antique 1910s "Defy The World" label isn't just a decoration – it's a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a link to the past all rolled into one. Don't miss out on this chance to own a piece of the Samuel Lewis Kelty legacy. After all, how many people can say they have a century-old tomato label that once dared to defy the world?