Citrus Label Tour

Earlier this year residents of Lakeland Florida noticed a new sign pop up outside of The Mckay Archives at Florida Southern College. The sign is simply the image of a beautiful crate label from Florida Citrus’s great past and has brought up many conversations among Lakelanders. Many people are wondering why, and the reasoning is very simple: Crate Labels are a lost art. Nowadays it is so common for companies to take logos and branding for granted. So many logos look almost identical and, as a result, have become easy to overlook.

Citrus crate labels were made to have certain brands of citrus fruits stand out from other more mundane brands and it was very effective. The images were eye-catching and the slogans occasionally scrawled across them were fun. Unfortunately, so many brands of citrus have diverted from this and it is quite a shame. So many people do not even remember how beautiful the crate labels were. That is why the sign was put up. To remind others how special the citrus industry is here in Florida, and to educate those who did not realize that crate labels were such a necessary part of the Florida Citrus Industry’s proud heritage.

The sign is a part of the Citrus Label Tour of Polk County and will be up at the Mckay Archives for quite awhile. If you have any questions about it, or about the Citrus Label Tour, feel free to call us at 863-680-4164.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

The 2017 Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees!

Hey Citrus Fans, for those of you who do not know, The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame inducted three new men. On March 10th, The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame inducted James H. “Jim” Ellis of Bartow, Florida, T. Ralph Robinson (deceased), and Michael W. Sparks of Apollo Beach, Florida. These three distinguished men all dedicated their lives to helping promote the citrus industry right here in the sunshine state, and the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame is honored to have these men join the ranks of the many others who have helped to advocate for the citrus industry.

Jim Ellis graduated from Florida Southern College, and while he was a student he was president of the Citrus Club and received the Florida Citrus Mutual Award due to his dedication to the field of citrus. Ellis is currently is in charge of the Citrus License & Bonds in the Division of Fruits & Vegetables for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

T. Ralph Robinson (1876-1967) graduated from Syracuse University and used to live in Syracuse, New York, but moved to Terra Ceia, Florida in 1910. During his life he was president of the Florida State Horticultural Society and he has a biography listed in “American Men of Science” and “Who’s Who.” He also published about 80 papers on horticultural subjects.

Mike Sparks has worked with the citrus industry for much of his life. For 29 years he worked with the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) in several capacities. For the past 10 years he has held the position of Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual in Lakeland, Florida (which happens to be the largest citrus grower trade association in the world) and has helped FCM to start incredible long-term appropriations for pest and disease research. Because of his efforts he has helped secure $125 million in mandatory Farm Bill funding that will benefit the citrus industry greatly.

These men have secured their place in citrus history through their unprecedented commitment to the Florida Citrus Industry. Thanks to their efforts, the Florida Citrus Industry will continue to grow and continue to forward research for advancements in this field of agriculture. From all of us here at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, we welcome Mr. Ellis, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Sparks into the Citrus Hall of Fame family.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Citrus Weightloss

Summer lovin’ happens so fast, and with the sun comes dozens of new diet fads and miracle “summer body” schemes. Unfortunately, most of these ideas do not actually work and some of them are even dangerous. Luckily, citrus can actually help you meet your weight loss goals just in time for summer.

If you want to kickstart your metabolism in a healthy and safe way, drink a glass of lemon juice (about 1 or 2 lemons worth) every morning. If the super sour taste of fresh lemons isn’t your thing, try and mix the juice with water and honey. Just remember that for every lemon you consume you need to drink at least 2 or 3 cups of water. Proper hydration is key to weight loss and for a healthy lifestyle.

Along with the lemon trick, you can also try drinking orange or grapefruit juice 30 minutes before eating a meal. The flavor of the juice will help curb cravings, and the antioxidants help your body get all the nutrients it needs so that you feel refreshed and full of energy.

Citrus alone won’t be able to get you that beach body that you have spent all year dreaming about but with proper exercise and hard work, it can help you reach your target weight faster by jump starting your new diet regime and shave off some of those pesky pounds while you’re at it.

Fruit Slices. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2017. <http://dotvital.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/dotvital.com-citrus-fresh-fruit-slices.jpg>.

"Eat Citrus Fruits to Lose Weight and Get Healthy." Rapid Weight Loss Tips for Fast Weight Loss. Shed Your Weight, n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2017.

Written By: Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Citrus Cosmetics!

Hey Citrus Fans!

It’s no secret that everyone wishes they had healthier, more radiant skin and with cooler temperatures on the horizon, it can often be hard to maintain it. But, did you know that citrus can be used to achieve that glow all year round? Citrus fruits have been known to soften skin, and bring out that youthful glow that everyone is searching for due to the high levels of citric acid the fruit contains.

The acid, which is known to kill bacteria, is often found in high-end cosmetics -- with a hefty price tag attached. But it turns out that you can make many of your own citrus infused lotions and cosmetics at home for a fraction of the cost! A few tips for achieving that perfect oh-so-natural look include: cutting a lemon in half and placing chapped or rough elbows or fingers directly into the fruit for five to ten minutes a day to soften the skin and keep the damage from returning. Another useful tip (that I personally have tried and liked) is to soak a cotton ball with lemon juice twice a day and apply the cotton-ball anywhere that you may have discoloration in the skin due to age or sun exposure. In about six weeks, you will likely see that the spots have faded or are completely gone.

Citrus is not just for skin care, though. The properties that make it so useful on the skin also make it very effective in your hair. Grapefruit is particularly good for your hair. If you would like to try and jump on the citrus-cosmetic bandwagon, might I suggest this cheap alternative to styling gel (which can have many harsh chemicals and dyes) which can be found Mother Earth Living.

Everyone knows that citrus fruits are good for their insides, but not everyone knows how amazing they can be for their outsides. If you decide to give citrus cosmetics a try, send us a message about how well they worked for you (or recipes you liked) in the comments section, or on our Facebook Page (The Citrus Hall of Fame).

Thank you!

Works Cited

Publications, Inc. Ogden. "Body & Soul: Pink Grapefruit Styling Gel for Extra Body - Heal - Herb Companion." Mother Earth Living. N.p., 27 June 2012. Web. 07 Nov. 2016.

Written by Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Want to Boost your Brain Power?

Hey Citrus Fans!

With classes starting up, many students (and professors) are looking for ways to improve their cognitive abilities, while also keeping away that dreaded “freshman fifteen.” Well, the answer is surprisingly simple. Studies have shown that drinking 500ml (roughly a pint) of orange juice a day can drastically improve memory, and help maintain a healthy weight. This is likely due to flavonoids, which are chemicals found in abundance in fresh oranges and other citrus fruits. According to Ben Spencer, author of the article Could Orange Juice Boost Brain Power?, “Scientists are not exactly sure how this works, but they suspect the chemicals (flavonoids) may improve blood flow, protect neurons against oxidative damage and increase the efficiency with which neurons transmit signals.” In layman's terms, flavonoids improve your memory, improve your comprehension of information, and do all kinds of good things that keep your body running normally.

This has been documented in a study that shows that this is especially true in older men and women who may be lacking flavonoids in their diets. Aside from oranges, blueberries, blackberries, apples, prunes, strawberries, grapes, peppers, and celery are all found to be packed with flavonoids. Therefore, adding a few more glasses of delicious Florida orange juice to your diet, or another basket of blueberries to your shopping cart might be just the thing you need to ensure that you start this semester with bright eyes and a healthy mind.

Works Cited:

Olson, Samantha. "Fruits And Vegetables With High Levels Of Flavonoids May Prevent Weight Gain." Medical Daily. N.p., 28 Jan. 2016. Web. 25 Aug. 2016.

Spencer, Ben. "Could Pure Orange Juice Boost Brain Power?" Dailymail.uk. Dailymail, 15 May 2015. Web. 25 Aug. 2016.

Written by Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Please Welcome the Newest Citrus Queen!

Hey Citrus Fans,

So you may already know that the 2016 Miss Florida Citrus pageant has officially crowned it’s 2016 Citrus Queen. This pageant has helped multiple young ladies’ dream come true ever since the 1920’s. Therefore, please join me in welcoming the newest Citrus Queen, Stephanie Capon of Miami, Florida.     The competition was fierce this year and was judged based on a number of portions such as: interview/on stage question, evening wear, talent, and swimsuit. Miss Capon received a $1,000 scholarship along with numerous other prizes and will represent the Florida citrus industry at various trade shows and events throughout the coming year.

    Miss Capon is attending University of Florida and earning her Master of Science in Management and hopes to earn a Juris Doctor degree in law. She was sponsored by Ben Hill Griffin Inc. She is also currently a White House intern for the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. Ben Hill Griffin Jr. was inducted in the Citrus Hall of Fame in 1979, and Ben Hill Griffin III was also inducted in 2009.

    Stephanie Capon will go on to compete in the Miss Florida Pageant, which takes place in Lakeland later this summer. The winner of this pageant will go on to compete in the Miss America pageant. Let us all wish Miss Capon luck and welcome her as our 2016 Citrus Queen.

If you would like to know more, please visit our Facebook page at: 

Florida Citrus Queen/Miss Florida Citrus

“I am now part of a sisterhood that encourages women to be better.” - Stephanie Capon on what it means to be Miss Florida Citrus.

Works Cited

McGill, Josh. "Miss Florida Citrus 2016 Crowned." Citrus Industry News. AgNet Media Inc., n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2016. 

Written by Emma Morton

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Florida Conference of Historians - Guest blog post!

Hey Citrus Fans,

A couple of weekends ago, I attended the Florida Conference of Historians with Emily Smith.  The Florida Conference of Historians began in 1962 with the concept of an organization covering all historical fields that would give historians an opportunity to share their scholarship and develop a sense of collegiality among faculty teaching history in Florida's colleges and universities. My supervisor at the McKay Archives had asked us if we wanted to present at the poster session. When she asked back in November, I had something else scheduled, but my friend Emily Smith volunteered. I am a Citrus Hall of Fame fellow, but Emily isn’t. She chose a topic with my fellow Hall of Fame colleague Emma Morton. They looked at how the archives use of social media has been able to engage people in the topic of Florida citrus. At the last minute Emma couldn’t attend the meeting, so I volunteered to attend with Emily, and it was an enriching experience. I was able to enhance my public speaking abilities, as well as my networking skills. I was able to walk around and view the other posters that were there, so I was able to learn about new things. I was also able to meet other people that were interested in the topic that we presented on, which was digital media and how it engages the public.

Emily and I found that people our age enjoy our posts about the Orange Bird and the weekly “where is the Orange Bird now?” posts while the older population enjoys the Florida Citrus Label posts more. There was a fair amount of interest in our poster and it received positive regard. We received suggestions on how we can track and expand our social media presence from the more established historians and introduced the archives to our fellow undergraduate and graduate history students. This experience was satisfying because we were able to share what we have been working on and have our hard work not only recognized, but enjoyed by others.

If you haven’t seen our Instagram posts, please look for Citrusarchives…. Or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ – Florida Citrus Hall of Fame – we post every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Written by Meredith Kaffee

Guest Blogger at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center