Vintage 1940s Channel Lemons Crate Label made by Goleta Lemon Association out of Santa Barbara County, California. 

12 1/4"x 8 3/4" ~ little to no wear. 

The Channel Brand label was issued by the Goleta Lemon Association, based in Goleta, Santa Barbara County, during the 1930s. It was printed by Schmidt Litho Co., Los Angeles, as part of a series of lithographic designs produced between 1900 and 1940 for Southern California citrus shippers.

This label features an oval vignette depicting seagulls soaring above a lighthouse and a ship navigating the Santa Barbara Channel, backed by sprawling lemon groves. A deep blue field and vivid yellow text ensured the Channel Brand stood out in crowded rail depots, while the maritime imagery evoked coastal purity and freshness.

Channel Brand was reserved for Red Ball–grade lemons, signaling top-tier quality to wholesale buyers. The label’s bold maritime motifs and high-contrast color palette provided instant recognition on wooden crate ends, reinforcing Goleta’s reputation for premium, sun-ripened citrus during pre-World War II distribution by Southern Pacific rail lines.

Original Channel Brand labels are preserved in special collections—such as UC Riverside’s Special Collections and the Boston Public Library’s Print Department—where they illustrate the artistry and regional pride of California’s citrus boom. Ephemera collectors continue to prize these lithographs for their striking design and as tangible links to Goleta’s golden era of lemon packing.

Once a common sight, these crate labels have now become treasured relics of a bygone era. Their scarcity, a testament to their historical significance, adds to their allure. The impeccable lithography process used in their creation, which involves a stone or metal plate for design, is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that went into their making. This process remains unparalleled, adding to the allure of these labels. The soaring demand for these labels, with museums and art institutions dedicating galleries to them, underscores their growing importance in the art and collectibles market. This makes them a must-have for any serious collector. The rarity of these labels adds a sense of urgency and importance to your purchase. 

Picture this remarkable vintage advertising, a unique piece of history, adorning the walls of your home. Instead of being confined to a museum, it can bring a touch of nostalgia and unparalleled elegance to any room in your home, elevating the aesthetic and sophistication of your living space.