City:
Lemon Cove
County:
Tulare County
State:
California
Lithographer:
Scmidt Litho Co., San Francisco
Packing House &/or Grower:
W. & M. Marks
Orange labels are approx. 10in x 11in.
A Rich Comic and Folklore Heritage
Comic History (Palmer Cox’s Brownies)
The Brownies became widely popular in the late 19th century thanks to Palmer Cox, a Canadian illustrator and author who created a series of comics and books featuring these imp-like sprites. Cox’s Brownies appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and other prominent publications, charming readers with their playful antics and imaginative stories.
They were so beloved that Brownies began appearing on various products and advertisements, becoming a form of early “brand ambassadors” well before modern merchandising took hold.
Older Folklore Roots (Scottish Origins)
Long before Palmer Cox popularized them, “brownies” had roots in Scottish folklore as household spirits who performed chores or mischievous pranks, depending on how they were treated.
These small, elf-like beings were said to help with farm and housework overnight, often rewarded with simple offerings like a bowl of milk. The playful, industrious nature of brownies made them endearing figures in Celtic storytelling traditions.
All images are sample and not the exact item you will receive.
Please note! These labels are approximately 60 to 100 years old. That said, there may be signs of age such as nicks, tears (generally small), and other signs of time and handling.
These came from our family collection. See the thecratelabel.com website for further information.