S52.2-626t-1Wonderful vintage Morton Salt embossed metal advertising sign featuring the iconic Morton Umbrella Girl and the famous “When It Rains It Pours” slogan.
This is an especially interesting example because it was produced with “RALPH’S GROCERY” printed across the lower portion, along with “Plain or iodized.” Unlike the many modern decorative Morton Salt signs on the market, this piece features substantial embossed construction—the lettering, Morton Salt container and Umbrella Girl design can clearly be seen pressed into the metal from the reverse.Dating the Sign:
Morton Salt’s documented history provides a useful way to date the artwork. The Umbrella Girl was redesigned in 1941, when she received the familiar yellow dress. Morton redesigned her again in 1956, including the introduction of a yellow umbrella handle. The yellow-dress, dark/black-umbrella design appearing on this sign is therefore consistent with the 1941–1955 Morton advertising period.Ralph’s Grocery History:
Research has uncovered an independent business named Ralph’s Grocery in Eugene, Oregon, documented in historic newspaper records as early as 1928 and still operating during the period represented by this Morton artwork. Records place Ralph’s Grocery at 19th & Jefferson Street in Eugene during the late 1940s and 1950, creating an intriguing overlap with the estimated 1941–1955 date of this sign.Importantly, this should not be confused with the well-known California Ralphs supermarket chain, whose name traditionally appears without an apostrophe. This sign specifically reads “RALPH’S GROCERY.”While the historical evidence makes the Eugene store an interesting possible match, the exact Ralph’s Grocery for which this particular sign was produced has not been conclusively identified, so no specific store attribution is being represented as fact.The sign measures approximately 12½\" wide × 13½\" tall and has four corner mounting holes.Morton Salt, Morton’s Salt, Morton Salt Girl, Umbrella Girl, When It Rains It Pours, Ralph’s Grocery, vintage Morton Salt sign, antique advertising sign, vintage advertising, embossed metal sign, embossed tin sign, grocery store advertising, grocery advertising, general store advertising, food advertising, salt advertising, kitchen advertising, vintage kitchen decor, Americana advertising, store display, point of sale advertising, POS advertising, 1940s advertising, 1950s advertising, mid century advertising, vintage grocery store sign, collectible advertising sign, advertising memorabilia
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