Santa Rosa Brand Original Vintage California Lemon Fruit Crate Features an Old California Mission sitting amidst acres of lemon groves; pink and purple colored mountains dominate the background. An Hispanic man wearing a sarape and a Pancho Villa era sombrero readies a perky donkey or mule (O.K., so I don't know the difference!) laden with a load of lemons. A worker carrying a wooden box of lemons perched on his head is delivering an even heavier load for the beast. This fine old original farm print citrus produce label was lithographed during a time when lead, cobalt and other compounds were often introduced as a part of the ink used to make the images brilliant, vivid and colorful. The wrapped lemon Sunkist logo indicates these lemons were packed by Oxnard Citrus Assn. of Oxnard, Ventura County, California and are of the best quality. "Western Litho Co of Los Angeles 851" (August, 1951). "T.M. Reg US. Pat. Off. Copyright 1927 by Oxnard Citrus Assn." We have custom framed this colorful lemon citrus box label, so it is ready to decorate your kitchen, Mission or Lemon Packing shed. Measures 12 1/4 x 8 1/2 inches. The scanner cut off the edges a bit; the COMPLETE label will be framed. See it's companion label "Oxnard". 

Year ‘Round Lemons..... Many agricultural areas in Southern California have more than one growing season per year. In our yard in San Clemente, within view of the Pacific Ocean, stands a 20 year old lemon tree that provides Sweet Lemons all year around. The Mediterranean climate allows for this thriving production, which is helpful in the Gin and Tonic manufacturing industry here locally. Oranges and Mountains Popular in crate label and post card imagery from California during the 1890’s and the early half of the last Century was the grand-scene featuring orange groves in the foreground and beautiful snowy mountains in the distance; between could be seen California Spanish Style Missions, cozy red-tile roofed homes, swaying palms and eucalyptus trees. Lemons, Oranges and Grapefruits sent to cold, freezing, blizzard prone areas and terrible rainy, drizzly, gray, depressing areas of the U.S.A. and lands beyond in handy wooden crates festooned with these small posters soon spread the idea that California had it all; sunny, warm weather and snow covered mountains “if you want ‘em”. Every corner store displayed the boxes and every kid in town took at least one crate home to use as furniture, a racecar or some other secret project. This campaign not only sold citrus fruit but also increased migration to California and raised the level of prosperity in that State.