The Alhambra Historical Society welcomes Ralph H. Thomas who will talk about citrus crate labels at the meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 7:30 p.m. in the Masonic Center, 9 West Woodward, corner of First Street, in Alhambra.

Thomas is a collector of labels and has done extensive research about them. He notes that these are the paper labels that were attached to the ends of wooden shipping boxes and used to brand and advertise oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines. During the 70 years the labels were used, they underwent a major transformation in design and appearance, and this reflects the social and market changes. In the 1930s, specially designed labels and wooden boxes had reached their peak, and were replaced with preprinted labels on cardboard boxes.

The Alhambra Preservation Group will have a large display of photos concerning the history of the citrus industry in Alhambra.

The officers of the society for 2010-2011 will be installed at the meeting.

The meeting is free and open to everyone; and refreshments will be served.

The Alhambra Historical Society Museum, 1550 West Alhambra Road at Bushnell in Alhambra, is open every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., and on the second and fourth Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information call 626 300 8845.