This collection of California citrus crate labels was assembled over many years by my grandfather David Gerald Kelley (1928–2025), a lifelong citrus rancher and advocate for California agriculture. After his passing, the collection was entrusted to his son, Ken Kelley (my father), who later passed it down to me. This website was created to preserve and share the archive more broadly, and to make these pieces of California history accessible for others to study and enjoy.
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Maker
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Hello, Producthunt folks! My name is Jacob. I'm SO excited to share with you a project I've created to honor the legacy my grandfather has left behind as well as the heritage of the citrus industry as told through the lens of crate label art.
Please enjoy this passion project of mine. I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought me! Below is an excerpt from the about page on the website. Cheers!
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This collection of California citrus crate labels was assembled over many years by David Gerald Kelley (1928–2025), a lifelong citrus rancher and advocate for California agriculture.
David Kelley had a deep appreciation for the artistry and history behind California citrus culture. Over decades, he carefully collected original crate labels from packing houses and orchards across the state, preserving pieces of agricultural and commercial art that might otherwise have been lost with time.
The labels reflect more than advertising, they document a visual history of California itself: its growers, communities, landscapes, topography, and optimistic identity during the height of the citrus industry.
After David’s passing, the collection was entrusted to his son, Ken Kelley, who later passed it down to me. This website was created to preserve and share the archive more broadly, and to make these pieces of California history accessible for others to study and enjoy.
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the way each label is presented with its own full bleed really lets the color and typography shine, honestly feels like flipping through a real archive rather than a website
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Maker
@lknurhallulrfs I’m glad you found the archive a smooth experience to browse, thank you for taking a look!
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the way you can actually trace the family history through the collection gives it so much heart, and the archive layout makes browsing feel like flipping through a real museum exhibit.
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Maker
@sevim1063464 I wanted to put my heart into this project, it feels like the first bit of software I was truly meant to write. Thank you so much for your kind words!
the way each label is presented with its own full bleed really lets the color and typography shine, honestly feels like flipping through a real archive rather than a website
@lknurhallulrfs I’m glad you found the archive a smooth experience to browse, thank you for taking a look!
the way you can actually trace the family history through the collection gives it so much heart, and the archive layout makes browsing feel like flipping through a real museum exhibit.
@sevim1063464 I wanted to put my heart into this project, it feels like the first bit of software I was truly meant to write. Thank you so much for your kind words!