The Story Behind
Our Logo, Our Label
& Our Bee Farm Name
Back in 1976, it was due to "need" that Ed had to get a label for his honey.
Before that time, all of the honey Ed extracted was
stored in large barrels.
He poured some into jars, but most of that was given to
close friends and family. These jars didn't need any label.
The owner of a small market called the
"Five Mile House", on the corner of Corralitos Road and Freedom Blvd, was interested in carrying Ed's honey for re-sale.
Back then, this small market sold grocery items. Fresh
vegetables and fruits from the area were also available, including other items from some local farmers such as pies and
bakery items.
The honey Ed had was a perfect addition to this small store's inventory.
Since it is important to have a label for honey that is
sold to the public or for re-sale, Ed needed a label to put on 2 lb. and 5 lb. jars. These labels had to include
his name, address and the words "U.S. Grade A Honey".
One day, a lady named Pat, came to Ed's apiary on Calabasas
Road to find out about keeping honey bees.
As she was leaving, Ed mentioned to her that he was going
to start labeling his honey, but that he needed a label. "Do you know anyone who can create a label for me?"
Pat just happened to be an artist. She made beautiful
artwork made from stained glass. She told Ed that she would be more than happy to draw a design.
If you look at our label, you can tell that
she was inspired by honey bees foraging for nectar from flowers. And since the Apiary is located on the Central
Coast close to La Selva Beach, she added waves and a sun.
The apiary name, Pacific Crest, was
her idea. It also "helped" her to create the drawing. You can see the "crest" of the waves in the picture. Actually,
we aren't sure if the name came before the drawing or vice versa (chicken or egg?)
She was also very much influenced by the 70's
"hip" and "lay-back" era. The "font" she drew for the words, "Pacific Crest
Apiaries", is a constant reminder of the 70's "easy-going" lifestyle.
The bright yellow background and green lettering is reminescent
of sunflowers and sunny days, both of which honey bees love.
Once the artwork was complete, Ed needed to find a printer.
Keith, a good friend of Ed's and also a beekeeper,
mentioned that he knew someone who could do the job. This "someone" had his own printing press and lived in nearby
Corralitos.
Meet Nick Zachreson. Nick has been printing our
labels since 1976! He is proud of his Printing Press and rightly so.
The Press dates back to the "1880's" and is still "in
operation". He also uses his Civil War era paper cutter to cut our labels to size.
His printing press is in excellent running condition
and he still uses the same engraving "cast" with Pat's artwork.
Nick hasn't changed a thing on our label. Well,
almost nothing has changed.
Ed wanted my name added onto the label about 8 years ago.
But, everything else is exactly the way it was created back in 1976.
Nick thinks that he still has the original artwork done
by Pat. (hmm, we'll have to check that out someday)
We get calls from fancy printing companies quite frequently.
They want to change our label. They boast laser printing, clearer and more colorful printing.
For me and Ed, our label suggests a certain "magic".
It is a simple & un-cluttered label. Perhaps it is because it has stood the test of time and it seems to evoke quite
a lot of interest from people who see it.
It leaves a lasting impression.
We also think that it is just as unique as the man
who has printed them for 30 years. Thanks, Nick.
You're the best! "Here's to another 30 years".
