Step back in time with this extraordinary Vintage 1950s Win Crate Label from Ivanhoe, California! This captivating piece of Americana, crafted by the renowned W.D. Winton & Son, brilliantly encapsulates the adrenaline-pumping world of auto racing from the golden era. Measuring an impressive 13 x 4 inches, this win crate label showcases a thrilling scene of a sleek racecar thundering across the finish line, the iconic checkered flag waving triumphantly in the background.

While this vintage Win crate label bears the subtle marks of its journey through time with minimal edge wear, it remains in remarkable condition overall. We invite you to examine the provided images and marvel at its preserved beauty.

W. D. Winton & Son operated a bustling packhouse on the Southern Pacific spur out of Ivanhoe, California, where Bartlett pears and Emperor grapes were hand-picked at dawn and funneled into wooden and corrugated crates bound for coast-to-coast markets. Nestled in the rich soils of Tulare County and benefiting from Kings River irrigation, the company steadily expanded its acreage from the 1920s through the 1950s, becoming a trusted name for freshness and firmness in an era before rapid-chill trucks and refrigerated boxcars were commonplace.

Their marketing flair is immortalized in two iconic lithographic crate labels. The “Talk O’ The Town” lug label—measuring approximately 13″ × 4″—burst to life in the 1940s with a neon-lit city skyline under a starry canopy, a bold visual pun on the phrase “everyone’s talking about Ivanhoe fruit”. Soon after, W. D. Winton & Son unveiled the “WIN” brand label for Emperor grapes: a roaring racecar crossing the checkered flag, rendered in striking yellow and black to symbolize speed, victory, and the promise that these grapes would beat the competition to your table.

Today, collectors and historians prize original “Talk O’ The Town” and “WIN” labels as masterpieces of mid-century produce art. Unused examples survive in the Pfau Library Special Collections (California State University, San Bernardino) and in digital archives like Calisphere, while mint-condition labels command premium bids at ephemera auctions and online galleries. These vibrant prints don’t just recall a golden era of West Coast agriculture—they stand as proof that a small Ivanhoe packing shed could make a big impression on the nation’s fruit baskets.

Crate Labels, a cherished relic of a bygone era, are now a rare find. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation, involving the use of a stone or metal plate to create a design, remains unmatched even today. The demand for these labels is not just rising; it's soaring, and museums and art institutes are dedicating galleries to them. Once the limited supply is sold out and gracing the walls of collectors or galleries, they will be a challenging acquisition. 

Picture this remarkable vintage advertising, a unique piece of history, adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being confined to a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to any room in your home.

Imagine the stories this label could tell - of sun-drenched California orchards, of the excitement of race day, and of a time when these vibrant labels adorned wooden crates filled with the finest produce. It's more than just a collectible; it's a tangible piece of Americana that brings the past to life in vivid color.

Whether you're a seasoned collector of vintage ephemera, a motorsport enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the artistry of a bygone era, this Win Crate Label is an unmissable addition to your collection. It's not just a label; it's a conversation starter, a piece of art, and a slice of American history all rolled into one.

Don't let this opportunity race by! Secure this exceptional vintage Win Crate Label now and add a touch of mid-century charm to your home or office. It's more than just a purchase - it's an investment in preserving a piece of our collective past. This win crate label isn't just a collectible; it's a gateway to the thrilling world of 1950s auto racing and the rich history of California's agricultural heritage.