| Description |
SHIPPING AVAILABLE > A heavy cast metal printer's die-cut designed for lithographing ice cream cartons, specifically for the Dairy-Maid brand, produced by the Dixie Maid Ice Cream Company of DeRidder, Louisiana. Measuring a substantial 10 by 14.5 inches, this die features intricate lettering and design elements associated with Dairy-Maid's branding and product details.
The top section prominently features VANILLA as the flavor designation, with the text CONTENTS ONE PINT LIQUID positioned below, reflecting its intended use for pint-sized ice cream containers. The central design showcases the Dairy-Maid logo with its script-style lettering and the tagline PURE SWEET CREAM ICE CREAM.
The bottom section displays additional flavors, including CHOCOLATE and STRAWBERRY, each accompanied by the phrases EAT DAIRY-MAID ICE CREAM and A WHOLESOME FOOD. These areas would have been printed on different sections of folding cartons.
The central design features a whimsical illustration of a boy and girl dancing, reinforcing the nostalgic and family-oriented appeal of the brand. The text below reads MANUFACTURED BY DIXIE MAID ICE CREAM CO., DE RIDDER, LA, emphasizing the product's origin.
This die was likely used in a commercial lithographic press to transfer its design onto paperboard, producing folding cartons for ice cream packaging. The detailed cast ensures precision in printing, with raised elements providing sharp, clear impressions.
These die-cuts are a testament to the industrial craftsmanship of mid-20th-century ice cream production and marketing. They highlight the regional pride and branding efforts of small-town businesses like Dixie Maid, which sought to compete with larger national brands.
CONDITION REPORT ~ Offered, as discovered, not cleaned or polished ~ Retains clear and legible raised lettering and designs ~ Displays age-related patina and minor surface oxidation consistent with use and material.
HISTORY of DIXIE MAID ICE CREAM
The Dixie-Maid Ice Cream Company was part of a broad trend in the United States of regional dairy and ice cream companies catering to local tastes. Many of these companies grew during the early to mid-20th century, offering products that became staples in their communities. During the World War II era, ice cream was particularly popular among both civilians and servicemen, serving as a comforting treat amidst the uncertainties of the time. Dixie-Maid’s branding highlights the wholesome and natural ingredients used, a quality that would have resonated with customers looking for simple, quality products.
HISTORY ~ DIXIE MAID ICE CREAM COMPANY & DeRIDDER, LOUISIANA
The Kern family has been associated with DeRidder since 1916. Kade Bardin, company owner and Hunters father, said his uncle, Clebert Cyprien C.C. Kern bought the bottling business just before World War I. The franchise in DeRidder had been started by the Christian brothers and the original plant operated on East First at a nearby, but different location. Leonce Cyprian L.C. Kern, Kades grandfather, came to DeRidder after World War I to help his brother with the new business. The Kerns came from the Donaldsonville/Napoleonville area, but the family ultimately originates from Alsace-Lorraine and were French-speaking. Together, in 1926, brothers C.C. and L.C. founded Dixie Maid Ice Cream, an addition to their successful soda bottling business. In July 1927, C.C. Kern was struck by a car and injured. He died a few days later in the hospital of pneumonia at age 43. At that time, L.C. Kern and C.C.s widow, Leocadie Naquin Kern, took over the business. The building that is being restored for the current vending business was constructed in 1936. Many locals remember watching through the large glass window in the front as soda was bottled. In 1980, the family sold the bottling part of the business, and Dixie Maid continued until the 2010s. In 1981, Kade and wife, Sunshine, started Bardin Vending Service at 134 East First Street in DeRidder.
DeRidder was named for Ella de Ridder, the sister-in-law of a Dutch railroad financier. Her family originally came from the small town of Geldermalsen in the Netherlands where she was one of thirteen children. She ran away from home at an early age and was presumed dead by her family who only recently discovered that she had traveled to the United States. The town was named for her by her brother-in-law who brought the first railroad to Southwest Louisiana.
Prior to that, the little town was known as Schoval. The Dutch-financed train line to DeRidder came in 1902. It was the Pittsburgh & Gulf Railroad. It was later called the Kansas City Southern.
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