Rare 1930s Mountain Bartlett Pears Vintage Crate Label

Step back in time with this extraordinary Antique 1930s Summit Mountain Bartlett Pears Crate Label, a true gem from the Colfax Fruit Growers Association of Colfax, California! This rare piece of Americana measures 11" x 7" and is in pristine condition, showcasing the rich history of California's fruit industry.

This Mountain Bartlett Pears version is a collector's dream - uncommonly found and bursting with historical significance. Imagine the journey these luscious pears took from the sun-kissed orchards of the Sierra foothills to bustling markets across the state! Such a cool (pun intended) label, which used Mountain snow before refrigeration to keep their produce fresh in railcars for transport to market, making them very desirable and sought after.

Colfax's story is as juicy as the fruit it's famous for. Born as "Illinoistown" during the Gold Rush, it quickly blossomed into a fruit-growing paradise. In 1850, visionary pioneer Enos Mendenhall planted one of the first foothill orchards, setting the stage for a fruity revolution in the nutrient-rich Sierra soil.

Fast forward to the early 1900s, and you've got local growers joining forces to create the Colfax Fruit Growers Association. These savvy farmers were on a mission to deliver top-notch produce to Sacramento and San Francisco, using the nearby Southern Pacific rail line as their fruit superhighway!

But wait, there's more! Before modern refrigeration, these ingenious growers used Mother Nature's own cooling system - Sierra Nevada snowpack - to keep their Mountain Bartlett pears fresh. Talk about thinking outside the icebox! This clever technique cemented the Association's reputation for delivering the crème de la crème of fruits.

The heart of this fruity empire? The Historic Fruit Exchange Building on Railroad Street. This architectural marvel, still standing proud today, was once the bustling hub where thousands of crates of Summit Mountain Bartlett Pears were packed, inspected, and shipped. By the Roaring Twenties, Colfax had become a fruit industry powerhouse, thanks to these delectable pears!

Now, these crate labels are more than just pretty pictures - they're windows into a bygone era. The scarcity of these labels, especially the Mountain Bartlett Pears version, makes them highly sought after by collectors and museums alike. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation is a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the time, adding an extra layer of allure to these miniature masterpieces.

Imagine this piece of history gracing your walls, bringing a touch of vintage charm and sophistication to your home. It's not just decor; it's a conversation starter, a slice of Americana that tells the story of hardworking farmers, innovative techniques, and the golden age of California's fruit industry.

Don't miss this chance to own a piece of the past - a rare 1930s Summit Mountain Bartlett Pears crate label that's as fresh and exciting today as the day it was printed. It's more than just a label; it's a time machine that transports you to the golden age of California's fruit industry. Grab this slice of history before it's gone!