Rare 1940s Pilgrim Crate Label Vintage Mayflower Fruit Association

Step back in time with this extraordinary Vintage 1940s Pilgrim Crate Label, a true gem from the golden age of California citrus! Crafted by the illustrious Mayflower Fruit Association in Exeter, California, this label is not just a piece of paper – it's a window into a vibrant era of American history!

Measuring an impressive 12 3/4"x 3 3/4", this vintage beauty is in remarkable condition. There's just a whisper of wear on the bottom right corner, barely noticeable when displayed. But don't take our word for it – feast your eyes on the pictures and judge for yourself!

The Mayflower Fruit Association wasn't just any old packing company. These folks were citrus virtuosos, specializing in the packing and shipping of sun-kissed oranges and other zesty delights. Their masterstroke? Positioning their packing plant right alongside the Southern Pacific Railroad. Talk about a game-changer! This strategic move ensured their freshly packed fruits could zip across the United States faster than you can say "juicy orange"!

Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the Pilgrim crate label. This isn't just a label; it's a work of art! The 1940s Pilgrim crate label exemplifies the era's vibrant lithographic artistry. Picture this: wholesalers at auctions, surrounded by a sea of fruit crates, and BAM! Their eyes are drawn to the Mayflower's Pilgrim design, standing out like a beacon of quality and freshness. These labels weren't just shipping markers; they were miniature billboards, showcasing top-notch printing and eye-catching imagery that would make modern graphic designers green with envy!

But wait, there's more! These crate labels have transcended their original purpose to become highly sought-after collectibles. Museums, art institutes, and savvy collectors are scrambling to get their hands on these pieces of history. The Pfau Library at California State University, San Bernardino, even has a special collection dedicated to these beauties! Talk about leaving a lasting legacy in the world of California citrus marketing!

Here's the kicker: these crate labels are becoming as rare as hen's teeth! The lithography process used to create them – involving stone or metal plates – is a lost art, producing a quality that even today's high-tech printing methods can't match. As supplies dwindle and more labels find their way into collections and galleries, scoring one of these beauties will become tougher than trying to squeeze blood from a stone!

Imagine this piece of vintage advertising history gracing your walls! Why let it gather dust in a museum when it could be the crown jewel of your home decor? This 1940s Pilgrim crate label isn't just a pretty picture – it's a conversation starter, a time machine, and a slice of Americana all rolled into one!

Don't miss this chance to own a piece of the past that's more than just eye candy. This Vintage 1940s Pilgrim Crate Label is a testament to American ingenuity, artistic flair, and the sweet, sweet history of California's citrus industry. Grab it now before it becomes nothing more than a juicy memory!