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

Resource Type: Labels (identifying artifacts)

Oranges Shipping Crate

This shipping crate label was used by Strathmore brand oranges grown and packed by the Strathmore Packing House Company of Strathmore, California during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate label was used by Strathmore brand oranges grown and packed by the Strathmore Packing House Company of Strathmore, California during the early 20th century. The lithographed label has a red and green tartan border, with a blue background and an image of a Scottish man wearing a kilt and playing a bagpipe. The label also has an illustration of the Scottish thistle on the left. The label has the Sunkist orange logo on it, a designation given to high quality oranges grown by members of the California Fruit Growers Exchange.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Strathmore Packing House Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.380
catalog number
1979.0441.380
accession number
1979.0441

Explosive Powder Shipping Crate

This end panel of a 1934 DuPont explosives shipping crate bears the company logo and is marked 50 LBS./Stumping Powder/20% Strength. Today DuPont is known for its wide array of industrial and commercial products, but it was founded in 1802 as an explosive manufacturer.
Description (Brief)
This end panel of a 1934 DuPont explosives shipping crate bears the company logo and is marked 50 LBS./Stumping Powder/20% Strength. Today DuPont is known for its wide array of industrial and commercial products, but it was founded in 1802 as an explosive manufacturer. The DuPont Stumping Powder was low-grade dynamite, 20% of the strength of full dynamite, used to remove stumps from farmland.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
ID Number
1979.0441.197A
catalog number
1979.0441.197A
accession number
1979.0441

Fruit Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side was used by Bungalow brand products grown and shipped by the O.G. Olson Company of Turlock, California during the early 20th century. The crate side has an image of a small bungalow house on the left.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side was used by Bungalow brand products grown and shipped by the O.G. Olson Company of Turlock, California during the early 20th century. The crate side has an image of a small bungalow house on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
O. G. Olson Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.290
catalog number
1979.0441.290
accession number
1979.0441

Pepper Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained ground pepper packed and shipped by the John M. Oest coffee and spice factory of New York. The crate contained 20 pounds of ground pepper.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained ground pepper packed and shipped by the John M. Oest coffee and spice factory of New York. The crate contained 20 pounds of ground pepper.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Irving Coffee & Spice Factory
referenced individual
Oest, John M.
ID Number
1979.0441.344
catalog number
1979.0441.344
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 Laurie brand apple crate label was used by the Royal Fruit & Produce Company of Los Angeles, California during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by the Western Lithograph Company of Los Angeles, California. The label has a dark blue background, with an image of a young girl holding an apple in one hand and reaching to pluck another from the name “Laurie.” Apple advertising would often promote the health benefits of apples. This young girl with healthy red cheeks reaching for a second apple to reinforced that idea.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Royal Fruit and Produce Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.113
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.113

Raisins Shipping Crate

This shipping crate end is from a Sun-Maid Raisin crate. In 1912, a group of California farmers formed the California Associated Raisin Company with the goal of stabilizing fluctuating prices in the raisin market. The cooperative introduced the Sun-Maid brand of raisins in 1914.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate end is from a Sun-Maid Raisin crate. In 1912, a group of California farmers formed the California Associated Raisin Company with the goal of stabilizing fluctuating prices in the raisin market. The cooperative introduced the Sun-Maid brand of raisins in 1914. To capitalize on the success of the brand, the co-operative renamed itself the Sun-Maid Raisin Growers of California in 1922, which it remains today.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Sun-Maid Raisin Growers
ID Number
1979.0441.175
catalog number
1979.0441.175
accession number
1979.0441

Evaporated Milk Shipping Crate

This Carnation Evaporated Milk shipping crate side features the product can bearing the company logo of a stem of carnations. The Carnation Evaporated Milk Company was founded in 1901 by E.A. Stuart in Seattle, Washington.
Description (Brief)
This Carnation Evaporated Milk shipping crate side features the product can bearing the company logo of a stem of carnations. The Carnation Evaporated Milk Company was founded in 1901 by E.A. Stuart in Seattle, Washington. Nestle acquired the Carnation Company in 1985.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Carnation Company
ID Number
1979.0441.273
catalog number
1979.0441.273
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 A-plus brand apple crate label was used by Standard Fruits, Inc. 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 background, with an illustration of a young woman wearing a white tank top with the U.S. shield on it, similar to what an Olympic athlete would wear. Apple advertising often focused on the health benefits of eating apples, an idea that was supported by depictions of healthy young people on apple crate labels.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Standard Fruits, Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.123
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.123

Spinach Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained Quail brand spinach that was distributed by the Schwabacher Brothers and Company of Seattle, Washington during the first half of the 20th century. This crate contained a half dozen number 10 round tins.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained Quail brand spinach that was distributed by the Schwabacher Brothers and Company of Seattle, Washington during the first half of the 20th century. This crate contained a half dozen number 10 round tins. The Schwabacher Brothers Company was one of the Pacific Northwest’s first large retail department stores.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Schwabacher Bros. & Co. Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.251
catalog number
1979.0441.251
accession number
1979.0441

Lard Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Simon Pure brand leaf lard, made by Armour’s and Company of Chicago, Illinois during the early 20th century. The crate contained 30 one-pound cartons of leaf lard.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Simon Pure brand leaf lard, made by Armour’s and Company of Chicago, Illinois during the early 20th century. The crate contained 30 one-pound cartons of leaf lard. Leaf lard is the highest quality lard used for baking, made from the fat of a pig’s kidneys.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Armour and Company
ID Number
1979.0441.170
catalog number
1979.0441.170
accession number
1979.0441

Chewing Gum Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Beech-Nut brand chewing gum shipped by the Beech-Nut Packing Company of Canajoharie, New York. Beech-Nut was founded in 1890, and produced a variety of food products.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Beech-Nut brand chewing gum shipped by the Beech-Nut Packing Company of Canajoharie, New York. Beech-Nut was founded in 1890, and produced a variety of food products. In 1910, the company launched its chewing gum brand whose popularity helped them weather the rough economy of the Great Depression.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Beech-Nut Packing Company
ID Number
1979.0441.274
catalog number
1979.0441.274
accession number
1979.0441

Fruit Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained products manufactured by the Starr Fruit Products Company of Portland, Oregon during the early 20th century. Starr Fruit Products was well known for their production of maraschino cherries.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained products manufactured by the Starr Fruit Products Company of Portland, Oregon during the early 20th century. Starr Fruit Products was well known for their production of maraschino cherries.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Starr Fruit Products Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.278
catalog number
1979.0441.278
accession number
1979.0441

Tuna Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained Mission brand flaked tuna that was packed by the Van Camp Seafood Company of Los Angeles, California during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained Mission brand flaked tuna that was packed by the Van Camp Seafood Company of Los Angeles, California during the early 20th century. The Van Camp Seafood Company changed its name to Chicken of the Sea after the exceedingly popular 1960s jingle: “Ask any mermaid you happen to see…what’s the best tuna? Chicken of the Sea!”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Van Camp Sea Food Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.207
catalog number
1979.0441.207
accession number
1979.0441

Tobacco Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained tobacco manufactured by the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained tobacco manufactured by the Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company during the early 20th century. The crate bears a warning saying that the manufacturer has “complied with all requirements of law, and every person is cautioned under penalties of law not to use this package for tobacco again.”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company
ID Number
1979.0441.271
catalog number
1979.0441.271
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 Empire Builder 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 a background image of an orchard with a train depot in the center, and mountains rising up in the background. In 1892 the Great Northern railroad entered the Wenatchee Valley, opening new markets to Washington apples, boosting sales during the early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Cashmere Pioneer Growers
ID Number
1979.0441.111
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.111

Ink Shipping Crate

This is a Sanford Ink Company shipping crate end. The Sanford Manufacturing Company was founded in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1857.
Description (Brief)
This is a Sanford Ink Company shipping crate end. 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
1979.0441.283
catalog number
1979.0441.283
accession number
1979.0441

Wine 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 red wine crate side was in use by the Italian Swiss Colony company of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century. The crate reads “Italian Swiss Colony, California Tipo Red, 12 quarts.” The crate bears a label by the Italian Swiss Colony that has a space for the shipping number, serial number, kind of wine, date made, quantity, and alcoholic content. The "Washington State Liquor Control Board" is the Cosignee. The crate also bears a stamp noting that the alcohol tax of 30 cents has been paid.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Italian Swiss Colony
ID Number
1979.0441.048
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.048

Salt Brick Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained salt bricks manufactured by the Leslie-California Salt Company of San Francisco, California during the first half of the 20th century. The crate side has a center image of a circle with an illustration of a cow in the center.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained salt bricks manufactured by the Leslie-California Salt Company of San Francisco, California during the first half of the 20th century. The crate side has a center image of a circle with an illustration of a cow in the center. Salt bricks were used to supply cattle and livestock with important nutrients and minerals.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Leslie Salt Company
ID Number
1979.0441.291
catalog number
1979.0441.291
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 Twin Peaks brand apple crate label was used by Phillippi Orchards of Wenatchee, Washington during the early 20th century. The white lithographed label features a large red apple in the center, with two blue mountain peaks in the background. The mountain ranges in Wenatchee are a subset of the Cascade Range, and helped provide an ideal climate.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Phillippi Orchards
ID Number
1979.0441.039
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.039

Corn Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained American Beauties brand corn that was packed by E.V. Stockham of Perryman, Maryland during the early 20th century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained American Beauties brand corn that was packed by E.V. Stockham of Perryman, Maryland during the early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
E. V. Stockham
ID Number
1979.0441.235
catalog number
1979.0441.235
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 Washington State brand apple crate label was used during the early 20th century. The lithographed blue label has an image of two large red apples in the center, as well as a gray-suited cartoon figure with a globe-shaped head proclaiming the apples the “World’s Finest.”
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1979.0441.044
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.044

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 Chief Joseph brand apple crate label was used by the Ryan Fruit Company of Yakima, Washington during the early 20th century. The label was lithographed by the Louis Rocsh Lithograph Company of San Francisco, California. The label has a central image of an arrowhead with an illustration of a Native American wearing a headdress. The depiction of Native Americans was a common theme in fruit label art.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Ryan Fruit Co.
ID Number
1979.0441.106
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.106

Bakery Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side was used by the Fancy Cake Bakery, which was owned by Philip Diehl of Brewster, New York during the early 20th century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side was used by the Fancy Cake Bakery, which was owned by Philip Diehl of Brewster, New York during the early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced
Diehl, Philip
referenced business
Fancy Cake Bakery
ID Number
1979.0441.320
catalog number
1979.0441.320
accession number
1979.0441

Corn Shipping Crate

This shipping crate end contained Happy Home brand canned corn, which was distributed by the Schwabacher Brothers Company, based in Seattle, Washington. The Schwabacher Bros. Co., Inc.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate end contained Happy Home brand canned corn, which was distributed by the Schwabacher Brothers Company, based in Seattle, Washington. The Schwabacher Bros. Co., Inc. was founded in 1860 and became a retail empire by selling clothing, groceries, and hardware in the Pacific Northwest.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1979.0441.249
catalog number
1979.0441.249
accession number
1979.0441

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.