Apple Boxes

Back in the 1940's and 50's apples came in wooden boxes like the ones you see in the photo. After the apples were removed, the boxes could be used for all sorts of useful things like: a table to put your checkers game on, sawn up to use for building bird houses, Bible school projects, and lots of other stuff. The wood was usually cottonwood because it was colorless, odorless, and tastless. It was easy to saw and easy to drill. The apples were placed in blue cardboard like slots. Why blue???? If you know, tell me......Maybe the purpose of the cartons was to keep the apples from touching each other and spoiling, maybe not. Anyhow, that the way it was back then.