Egg Crates

Prairie Museum of Art & History recently received the donation of an egg crate which is in excellent condition. Egg crates were typically made of wooden slats and contained heavy paper or cardboard dividers with depressions to keep the eggs separated. The crates were used to transport eggs from the farm to market where the eggs were sold or traded for other merchandise.

(Click photo to enlarge)

This crate measures about 13" x 13" square and 12" high. It is made of heavy wooden slats fastened together on the corners with wire. This one also has a lid with fold down handle allowing crates to be stacked. A crate of this size would typically hold 9 dozen eggs.

Stenciled onto the slats of one side is:
"When I Get Full
Take Me To
Smith's Cash Store
Colby, Kansas" 

Smith's Cash Store was located at 510 North Franklin Avenue in Colby, Kansas in what was known as the Warden Building. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the building housed Thomas County National Bank on the corner and along the 5th street side. On the Franklin Avenue side were other businesses including Smith's Cash Store, Colby Bakery, and a Frigidaire appliance store. The second story was used for office space and also housed the Masonic Lodge hall.

Smith's Cash Store in the early 1950's.

Employees of Smith's Cash Store were from left to right: Paul Pabst, Bill Campbell, Ray Alcott, Mayme & Max Smith - owners, and Mary Hubbard.