Okay, today I am asking y'all to tell me what you think this charming vintage tote was used for. I did some research, and found out that R.C. Walter and Sons packed table and wine grapes in Exeter, California. This is not a large crate, that is usually used to ship grapes, so I am not quite sure what this tote was used for. I have been trying to remember where I found this beauty, but with all the merchandise that I buy for my business, it's really hard to remember all of it. I did purchase this item for myself, never even considered selling it. At this time, I am using it to hold some of my kitchen utensils, but it also would make a wonderful centerpiece filled with fresh flowers. Another charming idea is, roll up some white hand towels, and you have a true farmhouse look.
Blessings,
Linda
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I used to live very close to Exeter, California! They have a lot of orange trees there, as it is nestled up against the foothills of the Sierras. I am only making a guess, but I would think it was used to hold pruning/small farm implements for trimming the baby grapevines. Whatever it was used for, I am glad it found love and a new home with you!
ReplyDeleteHey Girlie :) ~ I have one that my grandfather made and used for tools and it' possible your piece is a vintage, upcycled, recycled, re-purposed project using an old box and other woods! We are not new to making new of the old! I LOVE IT !!!!!!! Nice find! Judi
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! The tote is adorable and perfect for your kitchen gadget and utensils! Lucky find for yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Potpourri Friday!
By the way, I finally used the gift card I won way at the end of last Summer. It was so worth the wait! What I got is fabulous, but it will still be a while before I show it off. You'll know the reason for the wait when you see it! I'm so excited! Thank you again!
I also think it's upcycled from various pieces, or possibly the same piece reconfigured. Nice find.
ReplyDeleteMy guess is this was made from an old crate. Love it! It's perfect as you are using it, but the idea of white towels is also fantastic. Great as a centerpiece too. This little jewel is so versatile.
ReplyDeleteI may be wrong, but I was thinking it might have been used in the vineyard to tote around sheers and hand tools. Maybe the other ladies are right, too...maybe they used old wood on hand to make the tote. In any case, it's darn cute!
ReplyDeleteLove your tote!!! I have a wicker basket I have kept my silverware in for years, but it is wearing out and needs to be replaced. You've inspired me to think about how to create this to replace my worn out basket.
ReplyDeleteCindy
I love old tool boxes or totes. So many fun thinks to tuck in them! Of course I love vintage kitchen utensils!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun vintage tote to use in a variety of ways. Looks great with your cooking utensils.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
LOVE IT Linda! and my guess is that it's been re-vamped into what it is today "AND" it is DEFINITELY a "MUST KEEP"! I LOVE how you are using it but the uses would be endless...
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing it with us.
Have a fun week,
Hugs,
Donna
It's such a cool piece, but I too think this may have been upcycled using the crate sides. However it came to be it's a definite keeper!!
ReplyDeleteDo not know what it was used for but love how you are using it for kitchen utensils. It looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love your vintage tote! and what a clever way to use it!
ReplyDeleteI agree I think someone made that from an old crate. I have seen wine crates with the same writing on it. I love it!
ReplyDeleteSusan
homeroad.net
I also think it was made from an old crate, but the tote still could be old. I had a tote made from several crates with different logos, but was signed by the creative maker. I wish I had not sold it. I love the size of it and would keep it.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a truly wonderful old piece. I love the typography on it. Could have been a promotional item for the company?
ReplyDeleteHow cute is that!? I love your idea of putting your utensils in there.
ReplyDelete~Liz
I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Hum, I am not a tote expert, so I would not know anything about it except it is a great find!!!! I love the way it looks with your kitchen utensils!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Fun find...lucky you :) Laurel
ReplyDeleteI think it was probably used to carry around cutting tools in the vineyard. I think your idea is much cuter!
ReplyDeleteI do agree that it may have held small pruning tools...love it Linda!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
I don't know what it was made for but it is being put to good use! I love it.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Donna
The tote is a beauty, Linda, and I love how you used it, too!
ReplyDeleteLove your caddy. That is so cool and I love how you are using it too.
ReplyDeleteGreat use for your vintage tote. Thanks for coming by. MJ's
ReplyDeleteI love how you displayed your tote. It looks wonderful filled with kitchen utensils!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Angela
I'm not sure what it was used for ... but it is a lovely little find:)
ReplyDeleteFrancine
Great find! I like it even though I have no clue what they used it for. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home!
ReplyDeleteSherry
I would guess wine bottles.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what it was made for but, it looks perfect with your kitchen utinsels in it! A fun find! Thank you for sharing at TTf. I hope you have a terrific weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm on the "it was made from an old crate" bandwagon. Only because I can't think of any other reason the company would make that and have their logo on it.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I love the utensils in it and think flowers or towels would look fab too! Great piece!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend.
Pam
How cool! I don't blame you for keeping it. And you've got some good ideas for it. Now I want one! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what it was used for, but i love the way you have it displayed.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Hi Linda, I don't know what the original use was but I love the way you are displaying it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect catch all! I love the handle and fine print on the sides. There's just something wonderful about old things...that are still useful!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Carolynn
I love all things Coastal...having grown up on the Oregon Coast! Your blog is a delight!
I love the way you used to hold the utensils. I could see it filled with pretty white flowers too!
ReplyDelete