Citrus History Articles
Artistry of Citrus Crate Labels
When you enter a supermarket or any local grocer, many people find themselves perusing the produce aisles, collecting their food in a lackadaisical manner. As customers, the process of selecting produce often feels like a purely observational experience. We look for fruits and vegetables that have no noticeable blemishes, are in familiar colors, and usually have a pleasant aroma. But behind the facade of the agro-commercialized complex, much of the story of where the produce truly comes from is concealed.
The location of where supermarket produce is sourced is often vague—referred to in broad terms like “country of origin,” a regional district, or even a singular city. The truth about the agricultural industry is that the produce always originates from some farm or grower’s system. While local farmers’ markets or exchanges often provide more transparency about where food comes from, the scale of supermarkets hides the specific growers, packers, and farms behind the produce.
In the past, however, this awareness was turned into a spectacle, particularly in the citrus-packing industry. During this time, the origin, brand, and quality of produce were proudly displayed on labels designed to highlight the heritage and uniqueness of the product. One key example of this tradition is the “Citrus Crate Label.” These labels were a distinctive part of the citrus industry, unlike any other fruit or vegetable labels of the same period.
Crate labels were typically attached to wooden crates that housed packed citrus. These labels were not just identifiers of the produce; they also symbolized the region, the cultural heritage, and the story behind the fruit. Initially, the labels were smaller, circular designs about six inches in diameter, and were stenciled onto crates. Over time, these labels grew larger, becomng roughly 11 inches by 10 inches, often replacing the stencil and evolving into rectangular shapes.
From the early 1900s, citrus crate labels became a visual representation of both the fruit and the marketing behind it. By the millions, colorful paper labels adorned wooden boxes filled with citrus, acting as both a method of identification and a marketing tool. Each packing house had its own brand, which reflected the quality and grade of the fruit inside. Premium fruits bore special names, while lower-grade fruits were associated with different brands, often less ornate in design.
The artistic variability in these labels reflected the quality of the fruit they contained. Some brands, inspired by royalty, had names like “King,” “Queen,” or “Prince,” while others embraced more creative labels, including one-off designs for a specific harvest. In some cases, stock labels were used for a single season, adding to the growing diversity of citrus crate labels.
As the popularity of citrus labels grew, so did their artistic value. Labels began to reflect the changing trends of American advertising art. Labels such as “Red Circle,” “Queen Bee Bunny,” or “Aviation” reflected modernist styles that were prominent in the 1940s and 1950s. At the same time, some labels embraced hyper-realism, especially those associated with cities like Claremont, Riverside, or Pomona. These labels often depicted not only the fruit but also the city, painting an idealized image of California’s agricultural heritage.
The popular California public television show California Gold!, hosted by Huell Howser, visited Riverside’s citrus collections, showcasing how deeply embedded the citrus crop was in the region’s identity. Such programs helped educate Californians about the significance of citrus, both economically and culturally, and demonstrated the evolving artistic and economic role of citrus labeling.
These crate labels serve as both historical artifacts and cultural expressions. They represent a time when the citrus industry shaped not just the economy of California, but also its identity. Each label, whether it promoted a single grove or an entire region, was an advertisement for travel, agriculture, and the vision of California. Every city where citrus was grown could boast at least one label representing its crop. As growers and packers joined larger brands, the labels helped unify crops and brought together a greater variety of fruits for wider distribution.
The Mission Inn Foundation and Museum holds a diverse collection of these iconic citrus labels, including those from local canneries and packing houses like the Mission Inn Grove Cling Peaches. These labels range from the hyper-realistic styles to the more modernist artistic designs from the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing the evolution of both the citrus industry and artistic expression during this period.
Over the course of about 70 years, citrus crate labels evolved dramatically. From the 1880s to the 1920s, they depicted naturalistic scenes, reflecting the agricultural roots of the industry. By the 1930s and 1940s, commercial art took over, and labels became a primary marketing tool. It’s estimated that there were more than 8,000 unique citrus crate labels, with over 2 billion crates of fruit bearing these designs.
Some on the unique labels held in the Mission Inn Museum’s collection range form Wheelers Fancy, or “Gold Buckle” to which the label boasted as being the buckle of the citrus Belt. The more artistic labels, such as the Victoria brand, resonate a small sample pf the greater Citrus Crate Label ephemera
Eventually, the crate label was replaced by pre-printed cardboard cartons, which are still used today. Despite their decline in commercial use, the citrus crate labels have become highly collectible, prized for their artistic value and rarity. They remain a vibrant reminder of a golden age in American advertising and a visual link to California’s citrus past.
Race, Class, and Being in the Citrus Industry in Riverside
Much of the foundational pillars of the United States’ capitalist propagation were built on the backs of immigrants—immigrants who, at large, faced racial inequalities and discrimination that subjected them to demeaning levels of placement within their own communities and living spaces. The California Citrus Boom was built on the backs of immigrant workers, coming from all around the world, but all of whom faced racial and class discrimination through their work, thereby diminishing their own humanity.
The lexicon and marginalizing phrase of the United States being a “melting pot” somewhat accurately describes the diversity of people in some areas of the country. Specifically, a place like California gives credence to such a saying, having a longstanding history of a multitude of people occupying, cultivating, and preserving the land of the state.
By the census of 1850, the population of California was estimated at around 90,000 people. Figures like this inaccurately described what people were actually counted within the census, but the figure grew rapidly over the next 50 years. Estimates show that the population of California grew to almost 1.4 million people. One of the larger movements and spurriers of growth came in the mid-1870s–1890s, a time coinciding with the citrus boom. Such population increases reflect not only the number of people moving into the state but also the expansion of the idea of a citizen, or who was counted in a census. These figures grew to have categories, labeled: White, Aggregate, Black, and Chinese.
By the 1910s, the total population of California was north of 2.1 million people, with that figure growing to over 29 million people by the end of the 1990s, capped at 33 million by the 2000s. This massive population shift fostered industrial growth, not only in the citrus industry but in California’s total industrial capabilities as a global leader. While these figures grew, so did the recognition and organizational framing of the people who were counted by demographic. The census had grown to incorporate a litany of other categories of identification, those being: White, Black or African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, and “Some Other Race,” with the option to identify as two or more races.
What this objective information leans into is that California’s population has somewhat always been diverse, but the recognition and categorization of people federally recognized has shifted and changed, as well as the perceptions and challenges that such people face. Within Riverside, there were multitudes of people, but the large majority of people who were working the groves were from different backgrounds. A recent lecture conducted by professors from regional universities highlighted the specific role of people of Asian descent within the community of Riverside. The lecture highlighted the varying communities of Asian American peoples. The lecture shows the place of people of Korean, Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese descent in the history of Riverside’s legacy, but also fosters broader conversations about the cosmopolitan nature of the agricultural industry. Much of the work of Dolores Huerta focuses on the agricultural industry, but specifically the Hispanic community. However, much of her work also highlighted the cross-cultural relationships within minorities working in the agricultural industry.
California became known for its Second Gold Rush, the Citrus industry, which spurred California economic growth making it renowned for its citrus production, and agri-industrial industries. Riverside became the central location of the Citrus boom, becoming the home of the Bahia Washington Navel Orange. Many of the initial producers whose groves grow into the foundations of both Riverside and the citrus industry came from all around the nation, and internationally to take opportunities with the productive citrus crop. While many of these initial planters began as smaller families, much of the lands grew to be cultivated by minority peoples.
The IWW, also known as the Wobblies, formed a large-scale union open to a multitude of people. In early 20th-century California, various IWW newspapers attest to the presence of Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish surnames amongst the ranks of Wobbly members and activist circles, indicating a cultural unity amongst minorities in the field. Broader than that, the cultural impact of food and sharing spurred within these fields, just as much as the prominence of minority labor in the field enabled fusion. Restrictions on immigration from Chinese peoples into the U.S. in the late 1880s enabled the movement of Chinese peoples into regions like Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
An excerpt from A World of Its Own: Race, Labor, and Citrus in the Making of Greater Los Angeles, 1900-1970 highlights the experience of former citrus laborer Nick Fuentes. He describes the expectation of Mexican workers in the city of La Verne: “They were expected to step off the sidewalk and into the streets as whites approached.” This instance and experience were not unfamiliar to many workers in the citrus industry, particularly those in the Riverside area, where they promoted the foundational Washington Navel, which spurred California’s second gold rush.
The discrimination of people goes further than remarks or the aggrandized “microaggressions.” The torment and placement of these people within the system of American nationalism went beyond class; it extended to the actual segregation of the space and ideas to which these people could communicate and have equitable status. The term “Colonia” has been used to describe the urbanized developments, specifically the ghettoized and slum-like areas where communities of typically Mexican people settled and communed near the Mexican and American border. A specific case of Filipino students who were brought specifically to Riverside to study faced challenges, as well as praise, for their time here in the mainland U.S. Many of these students came from a higher socioeconomic background. Thus, they became a spectacle, and a part of the ingrained education system. For Filipinos who immigrated to the United States, such niceties and public displays of arrival like newspaper welcomings were not met with the same warm welcome. Many of the people from the American-Occupied Territories faced discrimination and racialized subjugation when they arrived in their new communities.
The California Alien Land Law Act, which excluded the sale of land to those born of foreign soil, stood in opposition to the affirmation of the 14th Amendment, which allowed the children of immigrants born on U.S. soil to legally become citizens of the nation by natural right. The California Alien Land Law Act of 1913 caused a shift toward the exclusion of aliens, but more precisely, it had drastic ramifications that weakened the legal standing of immigrants.
This Land Law act became a foundational issue in the Supreme Court case State vs. Harada. The land law act placed preventative measures on the tentative and future ownership of the home of the Harada family in the early 1900s. State vs. Harada became one of the landmark cases that set a precedent on land and homeownership for many residents of the American lands. The dilemma of the issue was around the house owned and built by the Harada family. There was a large push to mobilize legislation and community pressure to force the Haradas to eventually leave their home. The case became a talking point for the city of Riverside and the national community as a whole. One of the highlights of this case was the support of Frank Miller, the master of the Mission Inn. Miller’s political rival, California Senator Miguel Estudillo, was one of the major political players pushing for the removal of the Haradas from their space. Frank Miller, being somewhat of a supporter of Asian culture and people, pushed against his political rival and became a vocal advocate of the Haradas.
One of the seminal texts that delves into the discourse of Japanese and American race and cultural relations centers around the actions before and after WWII by both the United States and the Japanese Imperial Nation. T. Fujitani, in his penned text Race for Empire, applies a theoretical Foucauldian analysis to the ways in which the Japanese and Americans operated under their respective jurisdictions. The subtext of this work is labeled “Koreans as Japanese, and Japanese as Americans in WWII.” Fujitani argues that there is an intrinsic relationship between the governments and the political ramifications of governing over these people. He utilizes Foucault’s terms “Bio-Power” and “Governmentality” to describe ways in which focusing on the lives of people under jurisdiction can create avenues for institutions, systems of authority, and mechanisms of control. For Fujitani, the analysis of the history or rhetoric around race, placement, survival, and media opens the door to the lived experience of Japanese individuals within the American wartime period. His juxtaposition of the Japanese colonial campaigns in Korea shows a similarity in rule and realized subjugation. One moment that highlights this is the common presence of Korean veterans of the Japanese army being hungry, homeless, and begging in the streets, alongside the internment and forced removal of Japanese from their homes during WWII, as well as the propaganda encouraging Japanese to fight on the European front, while facing racial discrimination at home.
The mechanism of minorities working for a government of regional power while not having longstanding rights or recognition is dramatically ingrained in the process of industrialization and civilization building. Today, this issue of race, class, and status still plays a large role in the citrus industry. A study conducted on the workers of the citrus industry concluded: “In an environment where citrus is still mainly harvested by hand and skilled domestic workers are harder to employ, employers increasingly rely on the H-2A guest-worker program to establish and retain a reliable and efficient workforce. It is estimated that guest workers now account for 80 percent or more of all citrus harvest workers each season, indicating a trend reversal from utilizing predominantly domestic workers toward recruiting H-2A workers.”
Meaning the majority of the workforce of the citrus industry are temporary residential workers, working on limited visas. The study surveyed workers and found that over 90% of the workers of the citrus field lived in or were from Mexico. A large finding within the study revolved around retention rate, specifically giving credence to the workers for possessing a skill that was leveraged for retention. In the early 1940s, an executive order was enacted, labeled the Mexican Farm Labor Program, or “Bracero Program,” a series of diplomatic accords between the United States of America and Mexico. These agreements addressed the national shortage of labor caused by the ongoing global issues of WWII. Millions of laborers were brought into the United States with work permits on the condition of returning to their homelands upon the completion of the work.
In 1964, the Bracero Program concluded on December 31st. The program, which had become widespread, ended 22 years of cheap labor from Mexico and resulted in a larger influx of undocumented laborers. The set of protections that were barely upheld for the braceros included deducted pay, poor work environments, and subpar room and board.
Such programs and initiatives are part of the government’s mechanisms to set up institutions and systems that coercively affect the populations of people who reside and work within a country. For the people who entered the country in the Bracero Program looking for work abroad, it led to the ostracization and radicalization of their lives, continually perpetuating the marginalization faced by minority groups.
For the experience of the minority peoples of Riverside, there are truly unique and transformative experiences. The famed Chinatown, now “buried” in Riverside, received a revival movement of awareness, giving credence to the Chinese community.Similarly many of the innovators of diverse groups of people also seem misplaced within their own context of influence. The prominence of Eliza Tibbets unitarianism shows, it’s been noted one of their most known servants was Lan Ah, a Chinese immigrant.
Similarly, one of the most prominent figures in the Korean American community and the international Korean community is Dosan Ahn Chang Ho. Dosan Ahn Chang Ho immigrated to the United States after facing harsh colonial campaigns under the Japanese regime. Dosan came to Riverside and helped establish the first “Koreatown” in the United States. Dosan was also a very influential figure in the movement of the Korean democratic parties. Much of his legacy was also supplanted by immense support for the Korean workers who farmed the citrus fields in Riverside.
Just after the Mexican Revolution, the Hispanic population was just north of 30% of the citrus workforce. By the 1940s, they made up two-thirds of all citrus laborers.
Some anti-Chinese agitators opted for freed Black laborers over the Chinese. Blacks created a society within a society, monitoring the insertion of the dominant culture, reflecting concepts such as W.E.B. Du Bois’ “double consciousness.”
The creations of the minority communities and their involvement in shaping their space dramatically shaped the long-term character of Riverside. As the decline in the agro-industrial prominence becomes apparent, the shape of the communities of innovators of Riverside becomes clearer., the shape of the communities of innovators of Riverside become apparent. Local scholars have attributed some sense of a cosmopolitan imagined community basis towards Riverside, as being attributed to a unitarian belief in a Wesleyan belief system. Such basis of faith for the colony, set a unique space for different cultures and space to interact, albeit not in a manner barred of stereotypical, racialized and systematic disenfranchisement
Since the beginning of cultural contacts, race, status, and class have played a huge role within the reformation and discursive literacy of society. This means that although these terms truly resonate in the present, the idea of castes or classes has been very prevalent within the construction of how society runs. This awareness does not dismiss these realities; rather, it sheds new light and offers questions about the status and the overarching concepts that surround class and race. Within Riverside, much like its booming growth, these themes have become integral to its race conversation.
Alien Oranges of California
California Gold: The Rise of the Citrus Industry
The phrase California Gold captures the essence of the western state, evoking the sunny climate, the vibrant state flower—the poppy—and the historic Gold Rush, which spurred rapid development and settlement in the region. Yet, there is a second California Gold Rush, one rooted not in mineral wealth, but in the fertile soils of the state. This is a story of citrus—a juicy, sweet, and tantalizing crop—that transformed California into the heart of agricultural innovation. The rise of citrus agriculture became the engine of California’s second economic boom, propelling the state to the forefront of fruit production.
Much like the first Gold Rush, outsiders flocked to California, lured by the promise of prosperity. But instead of digging for gold beneath the surface, the true riches of this second rush were found in the soil, and the seeds of a different kind of fortune—one that grew from the land itself.
The California Citrus Explosion
The California Citrus Explosion was both a unique and fortuitous event in the state’s history. While the first recorded presence of citrus in California dates back to the Spanish missionaries who brought the fruit with them on their explorations of the New World, the true agricultural boom came in the mid- to late-1800s. Local farms transformed into agro-industrial powerhouses, replicating the boomtowns of the Gold Rush, but instead of gold, the new fortune came from a renewable agricultural resource—citrus.
California’s identity has long been shaped by narratives of innovation and untapped potential. Early historians, influenced by the ideals of Manifest Destiny, saw the state as a land rich with resources, waiting to be claimed. Historian Stephen Aron introduced the concept of “convergence”—a way of understanding the American West as an interwoven tapestry of cultures and peoples, all influencing one another. This framework challenges outdated narratives that portrayed California as a barren land, waiting for people of “character” to unlock its resources.
These “people of character” have changed over time. Initially, they were the Spanish missionaries, followed by the Mexican settlers, who integrated into a unique group known as Californios, and later, American settlers. Aron writes, “Intercultural relations shifted with the transition from Spanish to Mexican governance, often to the detriment of Native American populations. Following the U.S. takeover, the world of California’s natives was shattered. With their lands overrun by goldseekers, many Native Americans scrambled to retain a foothold in the newly formed state.” This history reveals how the original peoples of California were displaced and marginalized as new settlers claimed the land.
The Arrival of the Navel Orange
In the context of this shifting historical landscape, the arrival of the Washington Navel orange in Riverside plays a pivotal role. It’s a story woven into California’s broader agricultural and cultural fabric, with the rapid rise of the orange transforming the region both economically and symbolically.
The first planting of Navel oranges in California is often credited to Eliza and Luther Tibbets. In 1874, the Tibbets planted seedlings they received from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would later become the foundation of the famous Navel orange industry. These trees are some of the oldest Navel orange trees still producing fruit today. In 1903, one of the original parent trees was even moved to the Mission Inn, where President Theodore Roosevelt ceremoniously planted it.
However, the origins of the seedlings are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest a government official sent the Navel trees directly to the Tibbets family, while others say the Tibbets acquired them during their travels through Washington, D.C. There are also records indicating that the trees were provided by the Department of Agriculture in Los Angeles, and the Tibbets transported them back to their Riverside homestead.
Today, one of these original trees still stands in Riverside, near the Tibbets’ former homestead. The tree is carefully protected by a fence and monitored closely due to its historical significance.
A Contested Legacy
While Riverside often claims the definitive “first planting” of the Navel orange, this story is contested by the nearby city of Ontario. Ontario points to 1862, when L.R. Van Leuven planted four acres of three-year-old citrus seedlings from Los Angeles. By 1874, Lewis Cram was recognized by the San Bernardino Guardian for planting 1,500 orange trees in the area.
Ontario also acknowledges the Tibbets’ role in introducing the Navel orange, but the city challenges whether Riverside holds exclusive claim to this distinction. As noted in local Ontario documents:
“The most famous citrus pioneers in the entire Foothill Orange District were Luther and Eliza Tibbets. They are credited with revolutionizing the early citrus industry by introducing the Washington Navel to California. In 1873, the Tibbets visited Washington, D.C., on their way to California. While there, Eliza was presented with two Navel orange trees by William Saunders, who had been experimenting with this new seedless variety. She accepted the gift and brought the trees to Riverside, where it is believed she planted them in 1874.
It wasn’t until 1879 that Eliza introduced her crop to the public, hosting a housewarming party and offering guests samples of the fruit. Her oranges proved that the Washington Navel could thrive in California’s climate, producing large, plump, seedless oranges with remarkable color and flavor. This discovery spurred a massive demand for the fruit. Buds from the Tibbets’ trees were sold for a staggering $5 each. To protect the trees, the Tibbets had to build a fence around them to prevent theft.
The success of the Tibbets’ Navel oranges was the catalyst for the growth of California’s citrus industry. Within a few years, citrus groves began to spread throughout the Foothill Orange District, and neighboring San Bernardino recognized that its soil was perfect for citrus cultivation. The Navel and Valencia oranges were soon adopted, and the region experienced rapid agricultural expansion.”
The Role of Women in California’s Citrus Industry
The narrative surrounding the Tibbets’ contribution to California’s citrus industry is also a story about the role of women in shaping the state’s agricultural history. While Luther Tibbets is credited with the planting and cultivation of the Navel orange, the continuous promotion of Eliza Tibbets as the driving force behind the introduction of this fruit challenges longstanding patriarchal narratives of historical achievement.
By highlighting Eliza’s role, we see the important impact that women have had on the development of California’s agricultural systems. Her involvement contests the male-dominated image of innovation and entrepreneurship that often overshadows the contributions of women. The recognition of Eliza Tibbets as the “first” to plant the Navel orange not only celebrates her individual achievement but also brings attention to the broader historical contributions of women in industries traditionally dominated by men.
Yet, despite the significance of this narrative, questions remain about the precise origins of the Navel orange’s arrival in California. The story of the “first planting” is a mystery—one filled with pride, competition, and an ongoing effort to cement one’s place in history. As such, the continuous propagation of this story is a reminder of the complex ways in which history is told, and who gets to tell it.
Teddy Roosevelt and the Citrus of Riverside
Within the first two decades of the 1900s, the Mission Inn became a gathering place for a wide range of influential figures. Whether it was the celebrities of the emerging Hollywood scene, political ambassadors from across the Pacific, trailblazers in various fields, or even U.S. Presidents, the grandeur of the hotel drew many noteworthy guests. One of the more intriguing presidential visits to the Inn occurred in 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt came to Riverside to participate in a momentous event.
A photograph taken around 1903 shows the first navel orange tree in California, replanted at the Mission Inn by President Roosevelt. The tree, protected by a metallic fence, stands in front of a Spanish-tiled building with stuccoed walls. Chairs are arranged along the building’s exterior, adding to the scene’s charm. The picture card reads: “Parent Washington Navel Orange tree, Glenwood Grounds, planted here by President Roosevelt. According to Mrs. Chas. F. Mills of the Riverside News, her father, Luther C. Tibbets, planted the first Navel Orange tree in California at Riverside in 1873. The tree was replanted by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 at the Mission Inn. The parent tree is one of two that were imported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from Brazil. The other has since died.”
The golden fruit of Southern California’s parent orange tree became a symbol of the region’s burgeoning citrus industry. The Riverside County Chamber of Commerce, in an effort to promote the region’s citrus products, sent 126 oranges from this famous tree to newspaper editors across the Midwest and East. Along with each shipment of fruit came a brief history of the citrus industry. The parent tree, one of two originally imported from Brazil by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is the progenitor of the millions of Washington navel orange trees that now populate Southern California’s citrus groves. Although one of the trees died years ago, the remaining one has been preserved by the Riverside citrus experiment station. Surrounded by an ornamental fence with a tablet detailing its history, the old tree remains vigorous and continues to bear fruit of exceptional quality.
The Washington Navel orange, originally known as “Bahia,” is believed to have mutated in Bahia, Brazil, before 1820. It was introduced to Florida in 1835 and later to California in 1873. The fruit is large, with a thick rind that is easily removed, and is known for its excellent flavor and near-seedless nature. However, its juice tends to be bitter when pasteurized, making it less suitable for processing. The tree thrives in cool climates and is now grown commercially not only in Brazil and California but also in places like Paraguay, Spain, South Africa, Australia, and Japan.
The historical significance of Roosevelt’s visit to the Mission Inn has been widely documented through reports, articles, newspapers, and photographs, especially the iconic moment when Roosevelt shoveled the final bit of dirt onto the planted Navel tree. However, one of the more interesting, lesser-known accounts comes from two primary documents: the “Bletter Episode” and a written account from Frank Miller, the owner of the Mission Inn.
The Blotter Episode contains firsthand accounts of Roosevelt’s visit, including personal remarks such as his admiration for Riverside’s agricultural industry. Roosevelt spoke highly of the Navel orange and its symbolic importance, remarking that it represented “citizens of Riverside, the greatest orange-growing district in the world, and all other orange-growing districts in California.” Roosevelt also complimented the architecture of the Mission Inn, saying, “I like it, I like it. It is the soil—the spirit of California. It helps preserve the traditions of California. You, Miller, have built it right. You are wise. The architecture is strong and beautiful. It is unusual and very attractive.”
Roosevelt’s comments on the citrus industry in Riverside and his appreciation for the architectural significance of the Mission Inn underscore the importance of both in shaping the region’s identity. These accounts humanize and legitimize the photographs and historical narratives surrounding the planting of the Parent Navel Orange tree. Roosevelt, as a larger-than-life figure in American history, is further characterized through these reflections. Additionally, Miller’s remarks provide unique insights, such as Roosevelt’s preferences regarding dinner service and George Pardee’s refusal to involve the president in the planting process.
The documents also reveal an interesting personal connection between Roosevelt and the Miller-Clark family. Frank Miller shared with President Roosevelt that his wife, Mrs. Miller, was of Dutch origin and specifically descended from the Hardenberg family, which had familial ties to the President. Roosevelt, intrigued by this connection, insisted on meeting the Millers. This meeting, which took place during the Dutch Landing, is one of the most unique micro-historical moments in the story. When Roosevelt met Mrs. Miller, he reportedly spoke a short sentence in Dutch, to which no one understood, a small but deeply humanizing instance. Though the event surrounded the planting of the Navel orange, it connected broader themes of family heritage, the agricultural boom, and the social interactions that made this moment so meaningful.
At the Mission Inn Foundation Museum, this story lives beyond the scope of newspapers and photographs. It exists in the accounts of the people who were central to these historical events. Such a piece of history cannot be found elsewhere, yet it connects experiences and reasoning with the larger influence of citrus cultivation, American politics, and society.
President Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to the Mission Inn and his involvement with the planting of the original Parent Navel Orange tree marks a pivotal moment in the history of the citrus industry and the development of Riverside. This event, along with the archived documents, places the Mission Inn at the heart of California’s citrus heritage, symbolizing the growth of the agro-industrial complex in California and the United States as a whole.
Colors of Orange: Orange Day in Riverside
Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Navels, Valencias and the whole lot, citrus is the name and the heart of gold for the city and region of Riverside. The Orange crop has become a synonymous icon of the city of Riverside, this is largely due to the Washington Navel Orange being first planted here in Riverside in 1873, and its eventual spawning into one of the most successful crops of all of California’s produce. Eliza Tibbets’ contributions spawned an abundance of capital resources for the region, but birthed the future identity of the broader region, as it developed from a small colony adjacent to the Union Pacific, into one of the biggest and more important cities within the State and the Nation.
This iconography of the Navel Orange, and Citrus as a whole became a strong identity, and identity that all Riversiders, and the history of the city can be tethered and represented by. Through the citrus industry and Riverside citrus heritage, it has created a global and regional iconographical emblem of Riverside.
With this heritage riverside has uplifted the citrus industry, and has adopted many citrus related heritage events. Such developments come from the crop itself, but other events and locations, like the Citrus Heritage State Park, and the supplementing of the UCR Experimental Citrus Station. Probably one of the oldest and most important events and propagation of Citrus is Riverside’s Orange Day. One of the first Orange Days was held in 1895, and boasted one of downtown Riverside largest events to date, having most to all of its local shops, stores, landmarks and places, decorating and embracing Riverside’s Orange prominence.
The 1895 Orange Day celebration was held the week of April 21st, it began in the early morning, but preparations for decoration and celebration, this celebration was the first of many that Riverside would annually hold. Some of the special groups in attendance was San Francisco’s “Half Million Club” , which was traveling down along the California coast towards Los Angeles for other regional conferences, having stops in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Bernardino, Redlands and eventually towards Riverside’s Orange Day celebration. Groups like the Half-Million club were here to view, and witness the new celebration of California’s Second Gold Rush. The celebration asa w hole was a success, boasting tons of orange ephemera, and different events to promote community, one of these events was a bicycle parade, lead by local riversider, Byron Bonham a youthful 10 year old to whom would bolster being the first of many cyclists and movers within the parade.
One of Riverside’s other most geographical landmarks is the former Glenwood Hotel, now named The Mission Inn Hotel. During this period the Glenwood hotel was immersed in transformation, leaving ownership of Chirstopher Colombus Miller, into the hands of the master of the Mission Inn, Frank Miller. To whom’s legacy within the building and development of riverside, has grown to global prominence. Miller’s recognition of Orange Day , going beyond the annual celebrations, he himself saw the importance of the crop to the region as a whole. He adorned the former Glenwood with Citrus “Gold” for these grand celebrations. The front of the Glenwood Hotel was lined with Oranges, Chinese Lanterns and Flags. The large lawn utilized a diagram of laid out oranges into shapes of stars and a crescent, the smaller lawn bore the words in oranges “Welcome to the Glenwood Tavern.”
Over 100 years later Riverside still hosted “Orange Day” activities, on April 24th 1995 Riverside welcomed over 40,000 people to downtown riverside, all to pay homage and celebrate the famous Iconography of Riverside’s Citrus Heritage. Historic brands linked to the city and the industry, like Sunkist, promoted various stations, events and provided elements of the Citrus celebration. Over 25,000 individuals reportedly watched the citrus heritage parade, bringing new eyes and people to the region.Some estimates have the event as having over 80,000 total attendees, ana account by journalist Dan Bernstein compared the event of having the masses of streets as if the ‘Pope was intown”
This two hour long parade kickstarter the jubilation, the parade was filled with dancing women, high stepping horses, elephants, music and crowds of people eating whipped cream topped fruit slushes. The Riverside Gazette event notes one of the men who was shoveling manure, was treated with jubilation and cheers for this work within the parade precisions. The parade marched along the streets of Riverside, but paid large homage to the Riversiders of the region, and the influence of the citrus crop, with special attention paid as crowds passed the Riverside Fruit exchange building..
On this day the Historic Mission Inn Museum had its doors fully booked, front desk worker Benjamin stated that the Inn had been fully booked for over three months, and the lobby was filled with guests ethe sipping on drinks, or enjoying the festivities, as they waited for events, or to simply return to their rooms
The Orange day celebrations don’t just stop within Riverside, within a historic program in the early to mid 1900s the state of Iowa also bolsters its own Orange Week. Orange Week in Iowa is somewhat of a spectacle of the ages, its legacy is more historical than meets the eye, its promegation is apart of Sunkists exchanges first set of advertising, boasting a unique advertisement for the early 1900s having Orange, Green and Black all in its Print The advertisement boasts Iowa’s own Orange week, boating how California Oranges, have never been cheaper. This event is tied directly to innovations within the railway system,, with developments of the refrigerated car, and the ice block car, which could aid in the preservation and ripeness of citrus through travel. Such travel was able to bring the Citrus Gold from Riverside straight into the heart of the American Midwest. The Orange week was to be held in 1903 in Des Moines, and would run from March 1st through March 7th, boasting about the ‘hundreds of carloads of the choicest oranges in the world.”
Orange"aide": A Mission Inn Speciality
Orange Juice, Orange Creamsicles, Orange Slices… and Orangeade???
Orange juice, Orange Creamsicles, and Orange slices—these are all well-known products of Riverside, California. But one drink stands out as particularly unique: the Mission Inn’s Orangeade. A refreshing, tangy beverage, Orangeade was once a signature offering at the historic hotel. But what is Orangeade, and why was it so important in Riverside’s citrus history?
The Origins of Riverside’s Citrus Industry
Much of California’s citrus production in the Inland Empire dates back to the late 1800s, when seedlings were given or donated to local farmers and immigrants who had settled in the region. These immigrants, many of whom came seeking their fortune during California’s second Gold Rush, cultivated the land, which soon became home to some of the most profitable agricultural markets in the nation.
The Washington Navel and Valencia oranges took root and flourished in Riverside’s soil. These varieties became famous for their size, sweetness, and ability to thrive in the region’s climate. The result was a booming citrus industry that not only transformed Riverside but also shaped the global orange trade.
Orangeade: A Unique Legacy
Orangeade, as we know it, is a simple yet delightful concoction. Made by combining freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and water, it offers a tangy, refreshing taste. Some recipes even included a splash of lemon or a homemade syrup to enhance the flavor.
This drink was once a popular choice at the Mission Inn Hotel, where it was often served chilled to guests looking for a refreshing break from the heat of Riverside’s warm summers. But why did Orangeade become so significant?
During the height of Riverside’s citrus production, drinks like Orangeade, lemonade, and orange-flavored treats became staples in the local culture. The abundance of citrus fruit led to a variety of products, and Orangeade was a perfect fit for an era that prized refreshing, locally sourced drinks. While it might not be as widely known today, the drink holds a special place in Riverside’s history, symbolizing the region’s strong ties to the citrus industry.
Citrus Challenges and Innovation
The rise of California’s citrus industry wasn’t without its challenges. In 1916, the Valencia orange crop suffered from a viral disease that drastically reduced yields. This shortage led to a scarcity of orange juice, which could have sparked the popularity of drinks like Orangeade, as they diluted the orange juice content with additional water and other citrus, making the drink more affordable and accessible.
Another major challenge was the region’s frosty winters. Despite efforts to protect crops with smudge pots—small furnaces used to keep citrus trees warm—devastating frosts would occasionally wipe out entire harvests. One of the worst frosts occurred in 1990, when over $800 million worth of crops were destroyed.
These challenges, however, didn’t stop the citrus industry from growing. Innovation was key—whether through creating new products like Orangeade or through corporate efforts to support local growers.
Sunkist’s Impact on the Citrus Industry and Beyond
Sunkist, now a household name in the citrus industry, played a critical role in shaping Riverside’s agricultural legacy. Originally founded as a cooperative of citrus growers, Sunkist helped to standardize and promote the production of citrus on a national scale. The company’s efforts to bring consistency to the industry were essential to its success.
Sunkist also helped promote citrus consumption through various campaigns, including recipe books and community events. One of their major marketing initiatives was the promotion of Orange Week, a celebration of citrus that connected Riverside with other parts of the country, such as Iowa. Sunkist sponsored these events, which helped to spread awareness of the benefits of California-grown citrus across the United States.
One of Sunkist’s early promotional efforts was the publication of cookbooks that featured citrus-centric recipes. These included everything from cakes and desserts to savory dishes and breakfasts, all incorporating fresh oranges, rinds, or juice. Many of theserecipes weree actually printed onto think sheets of paper, that would encase the fruit wether sold or with in the citrus It’s worth noting that one of the original recipes Sunkist promoted was an orange drink, which might have closely resembled the Orangeade served at the Mission Inn.
A Timeless Recipe: Orangeade
Making Orangeade at home was simple. The recipes typically called for 3–4 fresh oranges, a few cups of water, sugar, and sometimes a lemon. The process involved squeezing the juice from the oranges, combining it with sugar to create a syrup, and diluting the mixture with water. The drink was served chilled, offering a refreshing and flavorful alternative to plain water.
While many people may not be familiar with “Orangeade” today, it’s interesting to note that Sunkist’s legacy still lives on in the form of modern orange drinks. For example, HI-C, the popular drink marketed to children, was originally branded as Orangeade by Sunkist and promoted through their citrus recipes.
Riverside’s Citrus Legacy
Though Orangeade may not be as widely consumed today, it remains a fascinating part of Riverside’s citrus history. From its origins in the late 1800s to its role in the culinary culture of the Mission Inn, Orangeade represents a significant chapter in the legacy of California’s citrus industry. As the city of Riverside continues to celebrate its citrus roots, drinks like Orangeade serve as a reminder of the innovative spirit and challenges that shaped this region into one of the most important agricultural hubs in the United States.
Today, Riverside’s citrus legacy lives on through organizations like Sunkist and local events like Orange Week, which celebrate the enduring influence of citrus on the community and the world.
Citrus and Masonry in Riverside California
The Lodge of the Evergreen: A Cornerstone of Riverside’s Growth
The Evergreen Lodge was a Masonic Templar founded in 1879. Its original members were pivotal pioneers in the early development of Riverside, contributing to its transformation into one of Southern California’s most important cities. Many of the Lodge’s early members were innovators, builders, and especially growers, who played a crucial role in the citrus boom that fueled production across the United States.
These Masonic Lodge members were integral to the foundation of Riverside and its rapid growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Riverside’s history began as a small colony near the established towns of Colton and San Bernardino. The Riverside Colony was populated by settlers with a variety of intentions, but the common thread among them was the goal of homesteading, most notably for citrus production.
Among the members of the famed Evergreen Lodge were pioneers who helped establish Riverside as a key player in the citrus industry, a legacy that continues to shape the region today.
A.D. Shamel: Pioneer of Citrus Innovation
One of the most notable members of the Evergreen Lodge was A.D. Shamel, a horticulturist and early plant scientist. Shamel, who lived in Riverside for many years, is credited with being one of the first to study and propagate the Navel Orange. He also closely observed the Tibbets Orange and the methods used to ship oranges from Brazil to the U.S., ultimately improving the process for shipping citrus.
Shamel’s contributions to the citrus industry were profound. He studied various citrus varieties and published findings in the late 1880s that explored the relationship between South American citrus and Portuguese cultivation practices. His research helped Riverside become one of the most prominent citrus-producing regions in the country, contributing to the nation’s citrus boom.
K.D. Shugart: A Physician and Pioneer
K.D. Shugart, born in Indiana, came to Riverside from Iowa as one of the original men chosen by John W. North to help establish the Riverside colony. Upon his arrival, Shugart became the first physician of Riverside and served as the treasurer for the Southern California Colony Association. Known for his well-dressed appearance, often seen in silks, Shugart witnessed Riverside’s transformation from barren land into one of the largest citrus-producing regions in the world.
Shugart purchased a block of land between 9th and 10th Streets, now recognized as Lime and Mulberry. He planted the first citrus trees there, originally intended to provide shade and cover for his pepper plants. Due to a lack of steady water, which would later be supplied through the Gage Canal, Shugart’s plants were irrigated by barrels of hauled water from Spring Brook.
Shugart was also a member of the first Riverside School Board and joined the medical board for San Bernardino. Along with his brothers, Dr. Craig and T.J. Wood, he helped construct Riverside’s first schoolhouse between 16th and 24th Streets, on the block between 5th and 6th Streets (Lime and Mulberry).
Early Pioneers and Founders of Riverside
Charles Edward Packard and Emma Packard arrived in Riverside in 1873 from Maine. They were the founders of the First Methodist Church, established in early 1874. Charles Edward Packard served as the early superintendent of the Sunday School. They settled around Brockton and the Methodist Church, where they raised oranges, contributing to the city’s agricultural growth.
William B. Russell and Alice Russell came to Riverside from San Diego, although they were originally from Indiana. Russell’s sister, Rebecca Show, purchased acreage at the corner of modern-day Magnolia Avenue, where the Magnolia Show is located. Russell became an orange grower and packer, later serving as vice president of the Orange Growers Packing Company.
William Craig’s influence also helped establish the land on which the Miller family would stake their claim, ultimately helping to support the development of the Glenwood area.
The Evergreen Lodge: A Community of Innovation
The early members of the Evergreen Lodge were not just Masons; they were a community of individuals seeking new opportunities, both for economic prosperity and personal growth. Their collective efforts extended beyond the Lodge itself and into the greater Riverside community. These men were innovators who helped shape Riverside’s economy and culture, creating a thriving community centered around citrus cultivation and agricultural development.
The Lodge’s founders embodied the spirit of collaboration, sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas that would lay the foundation for Riverside’s continued success. The connection between these early members fostered an atmosphere of community that spurred economic growth and innovation.
Riverside’s Citrus Legacy
The city of Riverside is still widely recognized for its historical association with citrus cultivation. Riverside was once home to the famous “California Citrus State Historic Park,” which honors the area’s rich citrus heritage. The Navel Orange, in particular, played a significant role in Riverside’s development as it became the cornerstone of the U.S. citrus industry.
As the birthplace of the California citrus industry, Riverside continues to celebrate its agricultural roots while embracing the growth and evolution of the region. Today, the city stands as a testament to the visionary pioneers, like those from the Evergreen Lodge, who helped shape Southern California’s cultural and economic landscape.
Today the lodge still has active membership, let alone the lodge itself resides in a historic part of the citrus belt, the active membership and role of the lodge allows for the elongating relationship between the development of Riverside, and the act of civic engagement.
Miller's Global Vision
Frank Miller: The Visionary Who Shaped Riverside’s Legacy
When you think of Riverside, it’s impossible to ignore the name Frank Miller—a man whose legacy is forever intertwined with the city’s growth and development. Miller’s fingerprints are on nearly every corner of Riverside, from its iconic buildings to its evolving infrastructure, with his influence stretching far beyond the region itself. His work continues to echo throughout Riverside’s history, cementing his status as a key figure not just locally, but globally.
The Architect of the Mission Inn: A National Landmark
Frank Miller’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his work with the Mission Inn. As the first owner and visionary behind its development, Miller transformed what was once a modest establishment into one of the most iconic hotels on the West Coast. Originally the Glenwood Tavern, which he inherited in the late 1800s, the structure underwent a massive transformation under Miller’s guidance. By the early 1900s, he had rebranded it as the New Mission Inn Hotel, designing it in the stunning Spanish Revival style that would forever define California’s historic missions. This architectural masterpiece not only captured the essence of California’s history but also became a symbol of Riverside’s burgeoning influence in the early 20th century.
Miller’s dedication to preserving the region’s heritage was clear when he turned the Mission Inn into an eclectic revival of the California Missions, nestled right in the heart of Riverside’s citrus boom. His vision helped shape a city that was emerging as a commercial and cultural hub along the Union Pacific Railway.
The Glenwood Tavern to Mission Inn: A Journey of Innovation
The story of the Mission Inn begins long before Miller’s involvement. When C.C. Miller, Frank’s father, moved his family across the country in the late 1800s in search of a better climate for his sick wife, he had no intention of creating an inn. But as fate would have it, a nearby inn burned down, and the need for a gathering place emerged. C.C. established the Glenwood Tavern, which would eventually lay the foundation for what would become the Mission Inn. By the time the Mission Inn was transferred to Frank Miller in the late 1890s, he had already changed its name to the Glenwood Mission Inn Hotel, and his vision for the structure was taking shape.
The Mission Inn was built not just as a hotel but as a statement. It reflected Riverside’s flourishing citrus industry and its connection to California’s rich cultural past. The hotel became a symbol of Riverside’s rapid expansion, attracting travelers and dignitaries alike.
Paving the Way for Riverside’s Growth: Roads, Mt. Rubidoux, and the Gage Canal
As the Mission Inn blossomed, so did Riverside. Miller’s contributions weren’t confined to just the hotel; he played a significant role in shaping the city itself. His efforts were instrumental in laying the groundwork for many of Riverside’s essential civic projects, helping the city transition from a small settlement to a thriving metropolis.
One of Miller’s most notable contributions was his development of Mt. Rubidoux. In the early 1900s, Miller collaborated with local developers to claim the land and transform it into a recreational space for the public. A quarry was established for mineral extraction, and most importantly, a road was paved up the mountain, giving residents and visitors alike access to the breathtaking views from the summit.
Mt. Rubidoux became a cultural and spiritual gathering place. In 1909, Miller established Riverside’s first large-scale outdoor Easter celebration at the mountain’s peak. The event grew over the years, becoming a staple of Riverside’s spiritual and cultural identity. The mountaintop also became a venue for other significant events, such as Masonic ceremonies, further cementing the region’s place in Riverside’s growing civic and cultural landscape.
The Miller Family also played a role in the creation of the Gage Canal, which helped irrigate Riverside’s vast citrus groves and contributed to the area’s agricultural boom. His commitment to expanding the city’s infrastructure, paving roads, and developing key projects laid the foundation for the city’s future prosperity.
Riverside’s Residential Boom: From Citrus to Community
By the turn of the century, Riverside had undergone a dramatic transformation. The citrus industry had attracted settlers from across the country, creating a thriving agricultural economy. However, as citrus groves began to give way to residential developments, Riverside was on the cusp of a new phase in its growth.
The transition from agriculture to residentialization was critical in shaping the city’s future. As citrus farmers sold their lands for housing developments, Riverside began to evolve from a small, agriculture-based town into a sprawling urban center. The British Orange Growers, one of the area’s prominent investors, sold their holdings in the 1950s, paving the way for new housing developments in places like Victoria and Arlington Heights.
This shift from groves to homes is a testament to the city’s adaptability and growth, as it evolved alongside the burgeoning citrus industry that had put Riverside on the map.
A Legacy of Innovation: C.C. Miller’s Foundation for Growth
Before Frank Miller’s contributions, his father, C.C. Miller, laid the groundwork for Riverside’s early development. A former Union army soldier, C.C. Miller was instrumental in constructing the Gage Canal, which brought vital water resources to Riverside’s agricultural industry. His vision and hard work helped secure the future of Riverside as a center for citrus production.
C.C. Miller’s work extended beyond infrastructure; he was also deeply involved in the region’s social fabric. As a member of the Evergreen Lodge of Free Masons, Miller contributed to the growth of Riverside’s civic organizations, many of which were founded by the same pioneering families who helped shape the city’s early agricultural boom.
The Global Vision of Frank Miller: From Riverside to the World
As the world entered the industrial age, the second wave of globalism began to take shape. This era, marked by exhibitions like the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, opened new doors to global awareness and cultural exploration. Frank Miller was not just a local figure; he was a global citizen, traveling extensively and bringing back artifacts from around the world.
Much of Miller’s exposition of not only the Mission Inn, but Riverside, comes from the growth and development of the orange industry. Much of Miller’s focus was on local expansion around the growing rail system. Miller was known for taking oranges to the train depot, as well as shipping and sending some off with his more influential guests. But two other points of note for Miller highlighted the global implications of the citrus industry and Miller’s Inn. Those being his influence and support of holding global peace talks and conferences at his inn.
These peace conferences were attended by leading world leaders and academics, who were writing and engaging in dialogue about the state of global culture and economics. These topics focused on developments and studies of typically understudied regions, like South America or Asia. Miller’s Inn played host to these conferences on a number of occasions, more than seven times. The liturgical impact of having these conferences brought new faces, discourse, and ideas not only to the academics of the conference but also to the local community of Riverside. By hosting these conferences within the halls of the inn, the inherent relationship between Riverside and the global community became more than citrus production; it became a sense of awareness for its people.
The second aspect of Miller’s globalism and its transcendence is his intimate relationship with global leaders. But more importantly, with the Emperor of Japan. There is a theory amongst academics describing a relationship between the placement of Asian peoples within the confines of an American understanding. This theory is labeled the “Good Asian vs. Bad Asian.” Such language shows a clear xenophobic relationship. But the broader understanding is that the U.S. has placed a system of meritocracy onto Asian peoples as they have deemed fit. This period of Miller’s travels and inevitable relationship with Imperial Japan came at a time when the narrative of “Good and Bad Asian” was flipped between the Japanese and the Chinese. The Japanese’ open border, economic relationship with the U.S., and large immigration made it possible for a relationship between Miller and the Japanese emperor to be plausible, if not a formative event categorizing such a relationship.
Within the realm of Japanese culture and politics, Imperial Japan was looking to set a hegemonic sphere over East Asia, extending into Southeast Asia. This “Japanese Co-Prosperity Sphere” was largely a racialized and cultural power system that sought to set Imperial Japan as the controlling social and economic power within the region. This connection between a leading hotelier and peace advocate from the West Coast of the United States holds a symbolic and physical means of power and modernity as a growing global imperial power.
Miller’s collection of international treasures became a key feature of the Mission Inn, transforming it into a living museum. These exhibits reflected Miller’s desire to make the Mission Inn a place where guests could experience the world—without ever leaving Riverside. Through his travels and exhibitions, Miller sought to bring Riverside to the world while simultaneously introducing the world to Riverside.
Riverside's Orange Squeeze
Article Coming Soon 🙂
