California was the first state in the union to offer trademark protection, seven years before the federal government started! California began registering certain container brands in 1861, but trademark registration for all types of products began in 1863.

What’s fun about these old trademarks is how the promoted their brand. Here we see a trademark for “California Portable Lemonade" or “Sugar of Lemons”. We assume that when this product was trademarked in 1869 the idea of “portable lemonade” was a novel one. It’s basically just powdered lemon mixed with sugar, that when added to water make “lemonade”.

Besides the actual trademark filed, letters describing the item and fees paid, which apparently was done with a stamp to the tune of 5 cents.

With most all the trademark requests a formalized letter, such as the one above was included. “Know all men by these presents that we, Schroder Albrecht & Co. under an by virtue….” The language, and handwriting take us back to a time when neat handwriting was vital in getting your point accross.

There is often another part to the label, and here we see Schroder and Albrecht showing how, “the above two labels are (?) and secured around the box containing the California Portable Lemonade…” The label above tells us “The article is manufactured from the best white sugar and purified lemon juice and will retain it’s freshness in any climate.” The product was manufactured at 113 K Street, Sacramento.

Here is a view on Google Maps showing the location of “The Portable Lemonade Company” at 115 K Street. It was located in “Old Town Sacramento” right next to the present Evangeline’s Costumes.

Most all the trademark applications include a Notary Public seal, and signature.

The application includes another view of the “back side” of the label.

In ending their application for trademark the Portable Lemonade Co. they included these “directions” and a picture of a train in the mountains. I assume this was to show the “portable” nature of the product?

Trademarks from: California Secretary of State's Office, “Old Series Trademark No. 0147,” California State Archives Exhibits, accessed October 13, 2018, http://exhibits.sos.ca.gov/items/show/147.