Buried underneath layers of homemade ice fishing lures in an old box, I rescued this treasure from Karl’s grandparent’s house. Grandpa chuckled at my enthusiasm for this vintage find and told me to take the seeds with me if I wanted.
Yeah, I wanted.
I know its only an old seed packet- and not even that old, but I love what it represents. Fifty years ago someone bought those seeds with the intent to sow them in the land and feed their family through their own hard work and Mother Nature’s blessing.
Their desire to grow their own food, for self-sufficiency, out of necessity, or just for fun- whatever the reason- is what makes it possible for me to seek those same things today.
I wondered if this lettuce variety was still around and how it came about in the first place. I couldn’t find this particular variety, New York Special, available anywhere for sale today. I was able to find some history in the 1937 Yearbook under “Improvement of Salad Crops.” Here is the full text of that chapter; below is an excerpt from the chapter.
I love getting little glimpses into the past. But perhaps what really drew me to this old seed packet was the connection with someone who, fifty years ago, valued the same things that I do today.
Think I should plant them?
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Yes plant the seed and save some seed for next year! Great find!!
I’m excited to- I hope they sprout!
What a cool find!
Yes!!! Definitely plant them and send me some too! ;0) Visiting from The Homestead Barn Hop.
I hope they sprout!
Thanks for stopping by!
I know I’m tardy to the party, but I found something you may be interested in.
https://victoryseeds.com/products/new-york-12-lettuce
Victory Seed Company is selling New York 12 seeds. Maybe not the exact same variety, but according to the description you posted, it was selected from it and very similar.
BTW, did the old seeds ever sprout?