Antique 1930s Drum Major Brand Crate Label — Umatilla Citrus Growers Ass'n, Umatilla, Florida

Step back in time with this extraordinary piece of Americana! Behold an authentic Antique 1930s Drum Major Crate Label, a true gem shipped by the Umatilla Citrus Growers Association straight out of Umatilla, Florida. This isn't just any old label – it's a window into a golden age of citrus production and American ingenuity!

Measuring a compact 9" x 3 3/4", this label shows little to no wear. It's as if it's been frozen in time, waiting for you to rediscover its vibrant history!

The Umatilla Citrus Growers Association, affectionately known as "the Exchange," burst onto the scene in 1909. Founded by visionaries T. A. Smith Sr, John Clark, and D. McCollough, this powerhouse co-op grew to encompass a staggering 120 member groves at its peak, operating a bustling packinghouse that was the heartbeat of the local economy.

But wait, there's more! Following the devastating Big Freeze of 1895 that threatened to wipe out Florida's citrus industry, Lake County staged an epic comeback. By the roaring 1920s, over 250,000 trees were thriving across a whopping 30,000 acres of groves. Umatilla alone boasted eight packing houses, including the unstoppable co-op. By 1949, they were shipping out an mind-boggling average of 700 freight-car loads, plus trucks and 11,000 express parcels each season. Talk about a citrus revolution!

Umatilla, aptly named "Land of Many Waters," is a slice of paradise surrounded by over 40 crystal-clear lakes within a two-mile radius. But the Umatilla Citrus Growers Association wasn't just about business – it was the social hub of the community. Picture this: the original packinghouse doubling as a roller-skate rink on its upstairs wooden floor around 1912. Now that's what we call work-life balance, 1910s style!

Your Umatilla Citrus Growers Association label isn't just a piece of paper – it's a time machine! It embodies over a century of agricultural resilience, local lore, and mid-century design flair. Perfect for collectors, interior decorators, and anyone with a passion for authentic Americana, this label is your ticket to Florida's Golden Buckle citrus heritage.

Imagine this beauty framed on your kitchen wall or showcased in a gallery. It's not just decor – it's a conversation starter that tells the tale of flat tires leading families south, mule-driven groves, and community gatherings under fragrant orange blossoms. Don't miss your chance to own a slice of Umatilla history – organic, sun-ripened, and artistically preserved!

These labels were printed using cutting-edge lithographic techniques, featuring flat process yellow lettering with an orange inline and vivid color palettes that reflected the era's decorative style. The fresh-fruit trade relied on these stunning graphics to make their products pop at retail stalls. Today, collectors are scrambling to get their hands on these treasures, prizing them for their exceptional graphic quality and as tangible links to Florida's agricultural golden age.

Many of these labels survived as "warehouse finds," often remaining unused unused as printed. Imagine the excitement when a large cache of unused labels was discovered in old Centerville storage! It's like uncovering a time capsule of Florida's citrus industry. These finds suggest that the Umatilla Citrus Growers Association printed labels in bulk ahead of the packing season, with leftover stock becoming an unexpected goldmine for modern collectors.

Once a common sight in grocery stores and markets, these Crate Labels have now become coveted relics of a bygone era. Their scarcity only adds to their allure, making them even more desirable for collectors and history buffs alike. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation – involving a stone or metal plate for design – is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that went into their making. This process remains unparalleled, adding an extra layer of fascination to these labels.

The demand for these labels is skyrocketing, with museums and art institutions dedicating entire galleries to showcase them. This surge in popularity underscores their growing importance in the art and collectibles market, making them an absolute must-have for any serious collector. The rarity of these labels adds a sense of urgency to your purchase – don't let this piece of history slip through your fingers!

Now, picture this remarkable vintage advertising piece adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being confined to a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and unparalleled elegance to any room. This Umatilla Citrus Growers Association label isn't just decor – it's a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a slice of American history all rolled into one. It's time to elevate the aesthetic and sophistication of your living space with this unique treasure from Florida's citrus-growing heyday!

📋 What Is Printed On This Label

Every line of type on the sheet, transcribed from the label itself rather than paraphrased:

• DRUM
• MAJOR
• BRAND
• PRODUCE OF U.S.A.
• UMATILLA CITRUS GROWERS ASS'N.
• UMATILLA, FLORIDA

Printer: no lithographer's imprint, form number or plate code appears anywhere on this sheet. None is claimed here.

The brand is DRUM MAJOR BRAND. Umatilla Citrus Growers Ass'n. is the shipper line printed beneath it, not part of the brand. No fruit word is printed on the sheet at all — the only produce-adjacent word is CITRUS inside the association's name.

This is a wooden-crate label, not a can label. Nothing on the sheet relates to canning, and no Exchange emblem or affiliation appears anywhere on it.

The shape is the best thing about it. All four corners are cut off at 45 degrees, making an elongated octagon. Deep purple-navy above, a solid orange band across the lower quarter, and the lettering is flat process yellow with an orange inline and a cream outline — there is no gold and no metallic ink on this label.

The figure. A female drum major in a gold plumed shako, green tunic with gold frogging, pale-blue pleated skirt, orange cape flying behind and white tasselled boots, high-stepping with a baton over her shoulder.