Food

Photo of McCall's Cheese

Part of a nation's history lies in what people eat. Artifacts at the Museum document the history of food in the United States from farm machinery to diet fads.

More than 1,300 pieces of stoneware and earthenware show how Americans have stored, prepared, and served food for centuries. Ovens, cookie cutters, kettles, aprons, and ice-cream-making machines are part of the collections, along with home canning jars and winemaking equipment. More than 1,000 objects recently came to the Museum when author and cooking show host Julia Child donated her entire kitchen, from appliances to cookbooks.

Advertising and business records of several food companies—such as Hills Brothers Coffee, Pepsi Cola, and Campbell's Soup—represent the commercial side of the subject

Topic: Agriculture

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.This Depend-On brand apple crate label was used by the C.M.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Depend-On brand apple crate label was used by the C.M. Kopp Company of Yakima, Washington during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by Lehmann Lithography of San Francisco, California. The label features an illustration of an apple orchard in a valley, with the sun setting behind a hill. There are four large red apples pictured on the foreground of the label. Fruit crate labels often depicted landscapes like this to evoke the idea of rich, natural produce.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
C. M. Kopp Company
ID Number
1979.0441.095
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.095

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Highland Fruits brand apple crate label was used by the Highland Fruits Company of Wenatchee, Washington during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by the Ridgway Lithograph Company of Seattle, Washington. The label has a red plaid background, with the text “Highland Fruits” in three-dimensional font. These apples came from Wenatchee, part of a region that claimed to be the “Apple Capital of the World.”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Highland Fruits Company
ID Number
1979.0441.121
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.121

Acme Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side was in use by the Acme Brewing Company of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century. Acme was established by the Olympia Brewing Company of Tumwater, Washington, and produced a variety of beers from 1906-1920.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side was in use by the Acme Brewing Company of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century. Acme was established by the Olympia Brewing Company of Tumwater, Washington, and produced a variety of beers from 1906-1920. During Prohibition Acme produced an “Acme Brew,” a so-called near beer with almost no alcohol content.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Acme Breweries
ID Number
1979.0441.282
catalog number
1979.0441.282
accession number
1979.0441

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Headline brand apple crate label was used by Standard Fruits Inc. of Wenatchee, Washington during the early 20th century. The label has a dark background, with an inset illustration of a young boy cupping his hand over his mouth and shouting, and various newspapers with headlines that read “All About Northwest Apples,” “Northwest Apples are Here!” and “Apple for Health!” The Northwest apple growing region would often advertise their apples by touting their health benefits, especially for young children.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Standard Fruits, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.073
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.073

Chemical Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained embalming fluid manufactured by the Dodge Chemical Company of Boston, Massachusetts during the early 20th century. The Dodge Chemical Company was founded in 1893 by A.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained embalming fluid manufactured by the Dodge Chemical Company of Boston, Massachusetts during the early 20th century. The Dodge Chemical Company was founded in 1893 by A. Johnson Dodge, who later established the New England Institute of Anatomy, Sanitary Science, and Embalming in 1907 to teach the science of embalming. The Dodge Chemical Company continues to this day as a manufacturer of embalming fluids.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Dodge Chemical Company
ID Number
1979.0441.318
catalog number
1979.0441.318
accession number
1979.0441

Wine Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Tipo red wine produced by the Italian Swiss Colony of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Tipo red wine produced by the Italian Swiss Colony of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century. There is an illustration of the wine’s distinctive bottle, wide at the bottom, and wrapped in a twine jacked similar to Italian Chianti bottles. Originally called Tipo Chianti, the Italian-Swiss colony eventually adopted Tipo as their wine’s brand name.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Italian Swiss Colony
ID Number
1979.0441.309
catalog number
1979.0441.309
accession number
1979.0441

Eyelets Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Diamond Fast Color Eyelets made by the United Fast Color Eyelet Company of Boston, Massachusetts during the first half of the 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Diamond Fast Color Eyelets made by the United Fast Color Eyelet Company of Boston, Massachusetts during the first half of the 20th century. The crate side bears the slogan “never wear brassy.” A shoe with a brassy eyelet would look old, and Diamond Fast Color eyelets had nickel barrels with tops of solid color that would never wear brassy. This crate contained 25,000 eyelets.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
United Fast Color Eyelet Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.247
catalog number
1979.0441.247
accession number
1979.0441

Corned Beef Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Anglo brand corned beef, manufactured by the Vestey Group during the first half of the 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Anglo brand corned beef, manufactured by the Vestey Group during the first half of the 20th century. South America has a booming beef market in the early 20th century, and William Vestey of Liverpool, England set up a processing plant in Argentina and Uruguay and shipped beef products all over the world. The Anglo brand became popular during World War II, as canned corned beef fed Allied armies in Europe.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Anglo
ID Number
1979.0441.244
catalog number
1979.0441.244
accession number
1979.0441

Shrimp Shipping Crate

This shipping crate label contained Marine brand fancy shrimp shipped and packed by Marine Products Inc. of New Orleans, Louisiana during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate label contained Marine brand fancy shrimp shipped and packed by Marine Products Inc. of New Orleans, Louisiana during the early 20th century. The label has an image of a shrimp on the left with a shield in the center that reads, “These goods have been inspected and quality approved by Marine Products Inc., New Orleans, distributors.” The image on the right shows a mermaid blowing a horn above a box full of shrimp.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Marine Products, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.182
catalog number
1979.0441.182
accession number
1979.0441

Wheat Sample

This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment.
Description (Brief)
This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment. In November of 1987, genetically modified soil bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were planted along with winter wheat in a field in Blackville, S.C. The project was a joint effort of Monsanto, which had modified the organisms in the lab, and Clemson University, which carried out the field test.
The microorganisms were modified to contain harmless “marker genes” allowing scientists to distinguish them from naturally occurring Pseudomonas bacteria. After their release, scientists kept track of the movement of the modified bacteria in order to create a model for how genetically modified microbes migrate upon their release. Several months earlier, the release of genetically modified “ice-minus” bacteria (see object number 1987.0770.01) in California was the center of public concern.
Sources:
Accession File
“After Release, Altered Bacteria Stayed Close to Their Roots.” Renseberger, Boyce. The Washington Post. February 22, 1988. p. A3.
“Release of Altered Microbes Is Approved in Tracking Test.” Schneider, Keith. The New York Times. October 21, 1987. p. A19.
“Clemson Scientists Begin Field Testing of Microbe.” The Item. November 3, 1987. p.4B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1987
ID Number
1995.0055.01
accession number
1995.0055
catalog number
1995.0055.01

Ink Shipping Crate

This is an end panel of a Sanford Ink Company shipping crate. The Sanford Manufacturing Company was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857.
Description (Brief)
This is an end panel of a Sanford Ink Company shipping crate. The Sanford Manufacturing Company was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857. The company relocated to Chicago in 1866 and became a large producer of ink and glue products in its early years before focusing on ink and being renamed the Sanford Ink Company in 1940. Sanford introduced the Sharpie marker in 1964, which went on to become one of its best selling products. Sanford was purchased by Newell Company in 1992.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Sanford Corporation
ID Number
1979.0441.294
catalog number
1979.0441.294
accession number
1979.0441

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.This Denison’s Crest brand apple crate label was used by H.S.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Denison’s Crest brand apple crate label was used by H.S. Denison & Company of Wenatchee, Washington during the early 20th century. The lithographed label has a dark blue background with yellow text, and a crest that incorporates an apple, an oil lamp, and a thistle. There is a banner underneath that reads “Quality and Service.”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
H. S. Denison & Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.064
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.064

Biscuit Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained biscuits manufactured by the American Biscuit & Manufacturing Company of New York, New York during the late 19th century. The crate label has the company’s trademark image of a colorful parrot on the left.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained biscuits manufactured by the American Biscuit & Manufacturing Company of New York, New York during the late 19th century. The crate label has the company’s trademark image of a colorful parrot on the left. Founded in 1890, the American Biscuit & Manufacturing Company merged with the New York Biscuit Company in 1898 to form the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) now one of the largest bakeries in the world.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
American Biscuit and Mfg. Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.338
catalog number
1979.0441.338
accession number
1979.0441

Iron Nails

This spike was used to hold a bucket in place for collecting tree sap.
Description
This spike was used to hold a bucket in place for collecting tree sap. The spikes are usually hooked on one end in order to securely fasten the bucket to the spike.
Maple syrup production is one of the few agricultural processes in North America that was not a European import but learned from Native Americans. Sap is typically collected from the Sugar, Red or Black maple, though it can be collected from other tree types. Northeastern North America is the most common area for maple syrup production, with Vermont, New York and Maine leading production in the U.S. Once the sap is collected, it must be boiled down to reduce the water content. It can require anywhere from 20-50 liters of sap to make one liter of syrup, depending on the sugar content of the sap. Each tree is capable of producing 35-50 liters of sap.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
ZZ.RSN79690Z16
accession number
194893
194893

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Delight brand apple crate label was used by the North Pacific Sale Company of Seattle, Washington during the early 20th century. The lithographed label was produced by Stecher-Traung of San Francisco, California. The label features a rolling orchard underneath a large mountain, with a red and golden apple in the corner. Fruit crate labels often depicted landscapes like this to evoke a sense of fresh, natural produce.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
North Pacific Sales Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.063
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.063

Sardine Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side was used by Continental Seacoast Canning of Eastport, Maine during the early 20th century. The crate contained four dozen ten ounce tins of three quarter mustard sardines. The brand Continental is flanked by two skeleton keys.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side was used by Continental Seacoast Canning of Eastport, Maine during the early 20th century. The crate contained four dozen ten ounce tins of three quarter mustard sardines. The brand Continental is flanked by two skeleton keys.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Seacoast Canning Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.161
catalog number
1979.0441.161
accession number
1979.0441

Food Product's Shipping Crate

This shipping crate end panel is imprinted with the “Libby’s” script of the manufacturing firm Libby, McNeil, and Libby. Archibald McNeil and Charles and Arthur Libby founded the company in 1868.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate end panel is imprinted with the “Libby’s” script of the manufacturing firm Libby, McNeil, and Libby. Archibald McNeil and Charles and Arthur Libby founded the company in 1868. Libby’s became one of the country's biggest producers of canned meats in vegetables in the early 20th century. The company was purchased by Nestle in 1971.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Libby, McNeill & Libby
ID Number
1979.0441.359
catalog number
1979.0441.359
accession number
1979.0441

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Chekola brand apple crate label was used by Congdon Orchards, Inc. of Yakima, Washington during the early 20th century. The lithographed label was produced by Stecher-Traung of San Francisco California.The red label bears an inset image of an orchard under a large mountain. Fruit crate labels often depicted landscapes like this to evoke the idea of rich, natural produce.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Congdon Orchards, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.016
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.016

Pork & Beans Shipping Crate

This is an end panel of a Snider’s Pork and Beans shipping crate. Thomas A. Snider started the T.A. Snider Preserve Company of Cincinnati in 1879.
Description (Brief)
This is an end panel of a Snider’s Pork and Beans shipping crate. Thomas A. Snider started the T.A. Snider Preserve Company of Cincinnati in 1879. Snider was one of the largest ketchup makers at the turn of the 20th century and produced a variety of tomato related products and canned goods such as relish, tomato soup, oyster sauce, and pork and beans.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
T. A. Snider Preserve Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.308
catalog number
1979.0441.308
accession number
1979.0441

Evaporated Milk Shipping Crate

This end panel of a Borden’s Evaporated Milk shipping crate bears the imprint of the company’s stylized Lady Liberty logo, who made her first appearance on Borden’s Peerless Brand Evaporated Milk in 1914. Gail Borden Jr.
Description (Brief)
This end panel of a Borden’s Evaporated Milk shipping crate bears the imprint of the company’s stylized Lady Liberty logo, who made her first appearance on Borden’s Peerless Brand Evaporated Milk in 1914. Gail Borden Jr. patented his method for producing condensed milk by vacuum in 1856 and established the New York Condensed Milk Company in 1857. The company changed its name to the Borden Condensed Milk Company in 1899, which was simplified to the Borden Company in 1919.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Borden Company
ID Number
1979.0441.163
catalog number
1979.0441.163
accession number
1979.0441

Oranges Shipping Crate

This shipping crate label is for Exceptional brand Valencia oranges that were grown and packed by the Mupu Citrus Association of Santa Paula, California during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate label is for Exceptional brand Valencia oranges that were grown and packed by the Mupu Citrus Association of Santa Paula, California during the early 20th century. The label has the Sunkist orange logo on it, a designation given to high quality oranges grown by the California Fruit Growers Exchange. Mupu was the name of a Chumash Native American village in what is now the town of Santa Paula, in Ventura County, California.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
MUPU Citrus Assn.
ID Number
1979.0441.377
catalog number
1979.0441.377
accession number
1979.0441

Refugee Beans Shipping Crate

This shipping crate contained American Club brand refugee beans that was distributed by the Burt Olney Canning Company of New York around 1900-1950. The wooden crate side bears black text in a stencil font.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate contained American Club brand refugee beans that was distributed by the Burt Olney Canning Company of New York around 1900-1950. The wooden crate side bears black text in a stencil font.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Burt Olney Canning Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.154
catalog number
1979.0441.154
accession number
1979.0441

Borden's Evaporated Milk Crate Label

This end panel of a Borden’s Evaporated Milk shipping crate bears the imprint of an eagle. Gail Borden Jr. patented his method for producing condensed milk by vacuum in 1856 and established the New York Condensed Milk Company in 1857.
Description (Brief)
This end panel of a Borden’s Evaporated Milk shipping crate bears the imprint of an eagle. Gail Borden Jr. patented his method for producing condensed milk by vacuum in 1856 and established the New York Condensed Milk Company in 1857. The company changed its name to the Borden Condensed Milk Company in 1899, which was simplified to the Borden Company in 1919.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Borden Western Company
ID Number
1979.0441.330
catalog number
1979.0441.330
accession number
1979.0441

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Blewett Pass brand apple crate label was used by the Cashmere Pioneer Growers of Cashmere, Washington during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by the Schmidt Lithograph Company of Seattle, Washington. The label has an illustration of a small road winding through a forest-covered mountain range. The Blewett Pass was a real road through the Wenatchee region of the Cascades. Fruit crate labels often depicted landscapes like this to evoke the idea of rich, natural produce and show the Wenatchee Valley region where these apples were grown.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Cashmere Pioneer Growers
ID Number
1979.0441.122
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.122

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