Rare Sequoia Foothill Fruit Growers 70s Grape Crate Label

Step back in time with this incredible piece of Americana! Behold a genuine Vintage 1970s Big Stump Grapes Crate Label, a true treasure from the golden age of California's fruit industry. Crafted by the legendary Sequoia Foothill Fruit Growers out of Woodlake, California, this label is not just a piece of paper – it's a slice of history!

Measuring an impressive 12 1/2" x 4", this label is in pristine condition with little to no wear. But here's the kicker – it's one of the last labels this iconic company ever produced! Talk about a collector's dream!

Let's dive into the fascinating story behind this gem. The Sequoia Foothill Fruit Growers wasn't just any old fruit company. Founded on May 18, 1922, this cooperative was a game-changer in the California fruit scene. Picture this: dozens of foothill citrus orchards joining forces, pooling their harvests, and revolutionizing the picking, grading, and packing process under one roof. These folks knew their stuff, focusing almost exclusively on oranges. Why? Because the unique climate of the region – warm days and cool nights – produced fruit that was not only early-ripening but also packed with sweetness. Talk about nature's candy!

Now, let's talk about these labels. Produced between the roaring '20s and the fabulous '50s, they weren't just slapped onto crates. Oh no! These beauties often featured eye-catching dice iconography alongside typography that would make any graphic designer swoon. They're so significant that you'll find surviving examples in prestigious repositories like the Pfau Library Special Collections at California State University, San Bernardino, and the UC Davis Special Collections Lug and Can Label Collection. How's that for leaving a mark?

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. After more than six decades of serving its grower-members, the Sequoia Foothill Fruit Growers' charter was officially terminated on April 14, 1982. The California citrus industry was evolving, consolidating into larger packing alliances. But don't shed a tear just yet! While the cooperative may have ceased independent operations, they left behind a legacy that's hard to beat – a treasure trove of distinctive ephemera and a reputation for top-notch, foothill-grown fruit marketed under unforgettable brands.

Now, let's talk about why these crate labels are such a big deal. They're not just old pieces of paper – they're cherished relics of a bygone era, becoming rarer by the day. The lithography process used to create these labels is nothing short of artistic wizardry. Using stone or metal plates to create designs, this technique produced results that even today's high-tech printing methods struggle to match. And guess what? The demand for these labels isn't just rising – it's skyrocketing! Museums and art institutes are scrambling to dedicate entire galleries to these beauties. Once the limited supply is snatched up by collectors and galleries, getting your hands on one of these will be like finding a needle in a haystack!

Can you imagine this remarkable piece of vintage advertising gracing the walls of your home? Instead of being locked away in a stuffy museum, it could be bringing a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your living room, kitchen, or office. It's not just decor – it's a conversation starter, a time machine, and a piece of California's rich agricultural history all rolled into one!

So, whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the finer things in life, this Sequoia Foothill Fruit Growers label is more than just a purchase – it's an investment in a piece of Americana that's sure to turn heads and spark conversations for years to come!