1901 - A Maiden's Cheek and Lovely Litho Dots

I wasn't going to share the cover of the 1901 Burpee catalog cover as it looked so saccharine.

But, when I saved it at full scan resolution it was lovely.

The apple cheeked maiden just glowed!

1901 - Explore Burpee's Quarter Century Catalog

I am such a sucker for a fun bird's eye view lithograph, and, for some reason, the architectural boastings of seedsmen.
Have fun walking around the Burpee farms and stores, don't trip over the litho dots :-)

Source

1874 - Seedsman Bruggerhof's Noroton Home - Still There?

Frederick Bruggerhof,  president of the J. M. Thorburn & Co.,  in 1889 sent a photo to The Garden magazine of a fine copper beech growing on his grounds in Connecticut.  You can just see a corner of his house.

An address was given for Bruggerhof's home in a history of another house in the Noroton area of Darien, Connecticut.   When I looked it up in Google street view all you see is his drive leading to a glimpse of the house.  You can't tell if it is the same house or not.

However, the aerial view matches the engraving!   The house still stands.  The shutters are gone but you can't miss the window arch or the second floor bay window. 

That was fun :-)

1857 - Tantalizing Titbit: Seedsmen J. M. Thorburn & Co. Peel Off the Brother-in law

It is SO annoying to have a few issues unavailable anywhere online because of copyright, while earlier and later issues are available.  I always feel the universe is teasing me!  Who would care if a 1929 magazine was quoted?!  And who has a copyright on a few years and the rest are public domain...and why??!!   (And why do I find tracking down  the information so interesting?)

1909 - Livingston Seed Co., on Columbus, Ohio's Main Street

Tracking down where this 1909 postcard was drawn was so much fun! 

This very cool postcard has enough clues to allow identifying the seed store as the Livingston Seed Company store. 





The store with "The Union" sign is The Union Clothing Store at the corner of Long and High.  That fits with Livingston's address of 114 High Street.   The lighted arches are wonderful!!

1923 - "Mighty Poor Stuff" - Bad Day for Cinnamon Vines

In 1896 A. T. Cook was offering Cinnamon Vines as the answer to the nurseryman's prayer for a great selling vine. 

He continued contracting growers to supply the tubers for many years. 

This note turned up on eBay illustrating some problems.

1922 - A. T. Cook Still A. T. Cook

A. T. Cook was an enthusiastic promoter of his seeds and plants.   

P. T. Barnum, self-proclaimed “Prince of Humbugs”, comes to mind when I think of Cook. 

This illustration of Cinnamon Vine from his 1922 catalog is a picture of healthy fecundity gone  rampant! 

In the days before air conditioning the leaf cover would help keep your house cooler.

Shirley Dare wrote in 1888 for the American Garden about the many benefits of vines on the house, from privacy to hiding the house's need for paint!  She advised it would keep you "cooler in summer and warmer in winter". 

Warmer in winter?  Assuming leaves were still on it,  I suppose it could weaken winds that could infiltrate...but it sounds far fetched to me.



More posts on this interesting man:

1898 - A. T. Cook Is At It Again with the "Vegetable Peach"

1905 - A. T. Cook, Seedsman and Temperance Man

1917 - Good News that Makes You Smile (and a seedsman)

1923 - Mr. Cook's Roots Disappoint Mrs. Graves
This post relates to the Cinnamon Vine :-)
A. T. Cook - Good Advice on More Than Seeds