Can anyone help me find pictures of a pre-1920's factory for making fruit baskets or berry boxes, that sort of thing? I have googled everything I can think of but I can't find any exterior photos of such a factory.
South River Model Works based all their complexes on prototype buildings. Spencer's was a box manufacturer so you may be able to use this as a lead into some prototype photos.
I just got lost on the South River Modelworks website. Checkout the layout tour,
Warning: Take your heart medication, keep a towel handy to wipe off all the slobber and drool from your face as you view an incredible layout in both concept and execution.
The wood used in making boxes was called “shook” where I lived.
When I was about 12, I would load the different sizes of “shook” into the machine for making boxes to hold fresh fruit for shipping around the country.
The different sizes of wood were bound together with bailing wire.
The guy operating the box making machine was able to concentrate on making boxes.
This was 1956 but the same box making machine had been used for decades.
I was paid 50 cents an hour. A 12 ounce bottle of Royal Crown cola cost 4 cents in those days. I was quite happy to be paid 50 cents.
The “box factory” consisted of a building covered with corrugated siding. it was about 20 feet by 30 feet. .Single story. It was located behind a packing shed.