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Irvine Valencia Growers Packing House Records
MS.R.114  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection comprises records created and collected during a Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) project completed prior to the demolition of the Irvine Valencia Growers (IVG) packing house in Irvine, California, which belonged to the Irvine Company. The IVG packing house played a significant role in the growth of the Valencia orange industry in Orange County. The records of the packing house provide insights into the agricultural business and labor history of the county and constitute a rare and extensive set of resources for the study of citrus agriculture in Southern California.
Background
Planning for the Irvine Valencia Growers (IVG) packing house in Orange County, California began as early as 1926. Initial plans, which were abandoned in 1928, included a joint facility with the Frances Citrus Association. Ultimately, the contract for the project, including all plans and specification and supervision of construction, was awarded to F. S. Bishop. IVG reached an agreement with the A. T. & S. F. Railroad on April 29, 1929 to provide railroad access to the facility. The land was acquired from the Irvine Company on July 1, 1929. The main purpose of the packing house was to protect the fruit from injury and decay during its journey from the citrus groves to the consumer. Oranges were picked by hand and transported by truck to the packing house. At the packing house they were sorted, graded, washed, and waxed. The oranges were then systematically and carefully packed in cartons, stacked on pallets, and stored in the pre-cooler until loaded onto the trucks or railway freight cars that transported them to their final destinations.
Extent
23.6 Linear Feet (47 boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Intellectual property rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. Some of these materials are in the public domain. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
Collection is open for research. For preservation purposes, access to materials in boxes 1 and 3 is restricted. Researcher use copies of these materials are available.