Vintage Citrus Truck sign Riverside Calif 1940's Grocery Store Co

Description

This tin sign measures 24" x 20" and is double sided.  Graphics are different on each side.  Alfred M. Lewis came to Riverside Calif in 1885 and got a job at a grocery store in 1889.  He started his own grocery store in 1906.  He worked hard building is grocery empire that soon became recognized throughout the west.  He had 4 stores in Riverside that was known for outstanding products, free delivery, fine meats & groceries, a bakery, produce dept that sold rare items and even roasted meats for his customers.  By 1939 he had built 36 warehouses tactically placed throughout the western US.   A.M. Lewis Inc became one of the largest wholesale food distributers in Calif.  His stores even gave out their own Orange stamps (similar to green & blue chip stamps).  Photos show condition so please zoom in.  One side is in better shape than the other.  The logo on both sides of the sign would have been the logo seen on his trucks.  Assume the "Orange Empire Division" got the name because Riverside had a huge citrus industry years ago.  You can get more information about his history at:  evergreen-cemetery.info/people/alfred-m-lewis/.  You can also see a few old photos of his stores on the internet.