Step back in time with this thrilling piece of citrus history - an authentic Antique 1930s Herlong's Treasure Crate Label! Crafted by the legendary A. S. Herlong & Co. in Leesburg, Florida, this rare gem is a window into the golden age of Florida's citrus industry.

Measuring a compact 9" x 3 1/2", this treasure crate label is in pristine condition, showing little to no wear. It's a testament to the quality and durability of these vintage marketing marvels!

Let's dive into the fascinating story behind this label. Albert Sydney Herlong, born in 1866 in South Carolina, was a true pioneer of Florida citrus. After moving to the Sunshine State in 1897, he planted the seeds of what would become a citrus empire.

Herlong's journey from citrus grower to industry titan is nothing short of remarkable. In 1916, he took his first steps into the fruit business as a buyer for a northern commission house. By 1920, he had set his sights on Leesburg, and just two years later, he launched A. S. Herlong & Company - a powerhouse in packing, brokering, shipping, and growing citrus fruit.

As business boomed, Herlong's ambitions grew. In the mid-1920s, the company outgrew its downtown digs and set its sights on a state-of-the-art packinghouse on Third Street. Completed around 1928 for a whopping $75,000 (that's over $1 million in today's money!), this facility was a game-changer in the Florida citrus industry.

Picture this: a cutting-edge pre-cooling plant, 15 "car coloring" rooms with automatic controls, and a structure built to withstand Florida's unpredictable weather. This fortress of fruit was so well-constructed that insurers offered unusually low rates for produce stored there. Talk about forward-thinking!

But wait, there's more! This citrus wonderland even boasted a basement - a true rarity in Florida construction of the time. For decades, it was one of the busiest packing plants in the state, until Mother Nature and industry changes led to its sale and eventual demolition in 2017.

Under Herlong's visionary leadership, the company flourished into one of Florida's largest citrus houses. But he didn't stop there - Herlong was a trailblazer in cooperative marketing across the industry. His influence extended far beyond his own company, serving on the inaugural Florida Citrus Commission in 1935 and later becoming its chairman. Talk about leaving a mark on history!

Herlong's impact on the citrus world was so profound that he was inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame in 1969. This honor cements his status as a true titan of early 20th-century citrus cultivation and distribution.

Now, let's talk about why collectors go wild for these treasure crate labels. These aren't just any old stickers - they're vibrant pieces of art created through chromolithography, capturing the optimism and industrial flair of the late 1920s through the 1940s. An authentic A.S. Herlong label like this one is a direct link to the company's golden era, featuring hand-lettered logotypes, decorative fruit imagery, and that coveted "Leesburg" mark of quality.

Once a common sight in citrus groves and markets, these crate labels have now become prized relics of a bygone era. Their scarcity only adds to their allure, making them true treasures for collectors and history buffs alike. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation - involving stone or metal plates for design - is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that went into their making. This process remains unmatched, adding to the mystique of these labels.

The soaring demand for these labels is no joke - museums and art institutions are dedicating entire galleries to them! This skyrocketing popularity in the art and collectibles market makes them a must-have for any serious collector. The rarity of these labels adds a sense of urgency to your purchase - don't miss out on owning a piece of Florida citrus history!

Imagine this remarkable vintage advertising piece adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being tucked away in a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and unparalleled elegance to any room. This treasure crate label will elevate the aesthetic and sophistication of your living space, becoming a conversation starter and a unique glimpse into the past.

Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers! This Antique 1930s Herlong's Treasure Crate Label is more than just a piece of paper - it's a time machine to the golden age of Florida citrus, a testament to American ingenuity, and a stunning work of art all rolled into one. Grab this slice of history before it's gone!