Citrus Label Tour Inspires Nostalgia

Reproductions of the citrus labels can be found at many sites around the county. “Each carefully selected citrus label displayed represents the history of the land, the building, the family, or the historic site in relation to the industry,” notes Visit Central Florida.

The retro, fun, and sometimes campy labels used to distinguish citrus brands when selling to markets depicted Florida’s rich heritage with artwork of flora and fauna, historical sites, military, and animals.

Popular during the early 1900s, these labels abounded until the end of World War II. The close of the war brought on severe shortages of wood and metal, which led to a shift to shipping citrus in cardboard boxes with pre-printed labels

This once billion-dollar industry has roots sprawling back to the 1500s when Spanish explorers introduced citrus to the state. These symbols of a bygone era and Florida’s heritage were helpful in marketing to potential buyers and visitors to Florida.

Slice out some time to pick up a map, available at the Polk County History Center in Bartow. Included on the driving tour map is a brief history of each label, its design, utility, and artistry. The labels are displayed at various sites along the tour trail. Those interested in securing citrus labels for display should contact the History Center for details and an application.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 43