Apple Box Attractions, Part 1

Apple box labels – the colorful lithographs that once identified and promoted Washington apples – have been rediscovered in old packing sheds, attic trunks and warehouses.  They are sought after as collectibles

unique to our state and are treasured as nostalgic

reminders of a bygone era.

Graphic illustrators, inspired by the scenic beauty of Washington, painted an idyllic, sometimes whimsical,

picture of a lush land filled with quaint alpine villages, flowing rivers, healthy children and valleys brimming over with orchards of perfect apples.  Their illustrations

printed as labels firmly affixed to the ends of wooden packing crates, identified and promoted the state’s apple crop as it was shipped to markets throughout the country.

While some private collections contain over 1,000 different labels, it is almost impossible to determine just how many were created.  Some labels were used for only one season and almost every orchard, large or small, had at least one label.

Malcom Keithley