Florida was built on citrus - its cities, its economy, its identity and its place in America’s legacy all grew from the orange groves that have defined this state for over a century. Citrus is the Florida brand!
Florida was built on citrus — Its cities, economy, identity and place in America’s legacy all grew from the grove.
That legacy deserves an institution equal to its importance — dedicated to preserving its history, honoring its people and carrying it forward.
The Florida Citrus Heritage Foundation unites that effort for the first time — bringing together the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Miss Florida Citrus and a comprehensive preservation mission under one roof.
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A gift is an investment in Florida's story — in the families who built it, the young women who carry it and the industry already writing its next remarkable chapter.
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame was established in 1962 to pay tribute to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Florida citrus industry.
Florida Citrus Postcards
Crate Label Collection
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Florida Citrus Postcards
The Florida Citrus Postcard Collection highlights postcards collected by Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Donald Ball, Jerry Chicone and the Weaver Brothers, Brian and Richard. While postcards were originally intended to serve as souvenirs and keepsakes, now postcards help depict our history. The collection includes postcards from the early 1900s through 1960s. This collection also chronicles the arrival of the railroad in Florida, packing houses, fruit stands and how development has impacted the citrus community throughout the past century.
We encourage feedback and are actively seeking additions to this collection.
Florida Citrus Crate Label Book
The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the availability of a 108-page book filled with over 180 images of Florida citrus crate labels from the collections of Jerry Chicone, Jr. and Jim Ellis, as well as various photos, ads and postcards depicting images of fresh citrus production in the early years. This magnificent volume by Jerry Chicone, Jr. and Brenda Eubanks Burnette documents the story of “Florida’s first billboards” and is certain to become a collector’s item.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Crate Label Collection
The Citrus Crate Label Collection at Florida Southern College contains digitized labels from the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, primarily private collector James Ellis. These colorful labels are both artistic and useful as a tool in the citrus industry. Lithography for citrus crate labels began in the late 1880s in California and migrated to Florida soon after. The unique artwork, drawn by popular artists of the time but not identified, was used for advertising for a particular grower or shipper. The labels were glued to the end of the wooden shipping crate prior to going to market. The peak years for crate labels were between 1920 and 1950 after which time the use of cardboard shipping cartons became prevalent. The label’s color also denotes the grade of fruit and registration with the Florida Citrus Commission.
The Museum of Florida History’s Crate Label Collection
This online collection features nearly 700 Florida citrus crate labels from the collection of the Museum of Florida History. Many citrus label dealers, collectors and enthusiasts have donated to the collection over the years, but the largest single source is the Florida Citrus Commission, which regulates the quality standards for the industry.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Oral History Project
Ever wish you could pick the brains of the citrus old-timers? Or listen to stories from times gone by? Now you can! Check out our oral history collection and listen to hours of living citrus icons tell stories from the good old days. From harvesting practices, to freezes, to “that’s how we used to do it,” you’ll laugh and cry, but mostly, you’ll be amazed at the hard work and dedication that built the foundation of the Florida Citrus Industry.
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Please note that for the time being, some videos are hosted by Vimeo, while most others are on our Citrus Legacy Channel on YouTube. Please give us a follow, and if you like the videos, give us a thumbs up as well.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Citrus Label Tours
There’s a new way to experience central Florida’s rich citrus history. The Citrus Label Tour of Polk County is a unique driving experience featuring enlarged and reproduced citrus labels on various buildings around Polk.
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The Citrus Label Tour driving experience explores part of the historic marketing portion of citrus through the artistic labels that once adorned the old wooden crates used to ship the fresh fruit off to northern markets in the early 1900s. Enlarged reproductions of these vintage labels will be found on various buildings and sites throughout the county.
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A partnership between the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, Visit Central Florida and the Polk County History Center’s History and Heritage Trail inspired the creation of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County.
