For sale is an antique 1930s FRENCH PRUNES CRATE which has been repurposed as a hinged storage box which has been divided into three separate interior compartments. This depression era crate from San Joaquin, California would have been used to ship 25 pounds of prunes and is in excellent condition. The box has a decorative metal latch which is not original to the crate. The overall dimensions of the vintage crate is 15 1/2 inches long, 9 1/2 inches wide and 6 inches deep. This amazing crate will look great as part of your rustic or vintage decor.
The top lid of the crate has the following text: “SURPLUS RELIEF COMMUNITY (NOT TO BE SOLD) UNLAWFUL DISPOSITION OF THIS COMMODITY PUNISHABLE UNDER THE LAWS OF EACH STATE OF DISTRIBUTION”. One short side of the crate has the following text: “25 LBS. NET – 80 90 – SAN JOAQUIN CALIFORNIA PRUNES”.
During the 1800s, missionaries started growing European plums in California. In 1850, French horticulturist Louis Pellier established a nursery in San Jose, California. In 1856, he introduced the French prune cutting. While initially centered in the Santa Clara Valley (formerly the world’s prune capital), during the 1920s, the industry expanded into the San Joaquin Valley. Today, California produces roughly 90% of the U.S. supply and 40% of the world’s supply of prunes.
