|
|
Page Two
The following varieties are planted at Historic Forestville for the Living History Program.
More on page one
|
|
|
Lettuce:
Big Boston (70 days). Another Meighen variety, this pre-1894 lettuce has firm, round heads 12 inches in diameter, medium green crumpled leaves with reddish brown edges. It was good for both summer and autumn.
Click thumbnail for larger image.
|
|
Melon: Citron Melon. Grown before 1900, this looks like a baby watermelon. Although we cannot document that this seed was sold in the store, Thomas Meighen enjoyed cakes, cookies and other pastries made with citron. The fruit has firm flesh that is creamy to green in color.
|
|
|
Sugarcreek (80 days). Dating to at least 1860, this small, round melon averages 10-15 pounds. It possesses a dark green thin rind with light green stripes, crisp deep red flesh, and is highly productive.
* - See also cantaloupe on page one.
|
|
|
|
Onions:
Yellow Danvers. Dating to the mid-19th century, these onions have a dark golden brown skin and firm white flesh. This was a very popular onion during our period.
|
|
|
|
Peas:
Peas: Risser Early Sugar Pea (55-60 days). Grown before 1850, this is one of our "educated guesses," with a typical sweet pea. It has been grown for several generations of the Risser family in Lancaster County, Pa. It is edible-podded, has good flavor, is productive, and has tall vines.
|
|
|
|
Peppers:
Cubanelle (62-70 days). This variety we know the least about, but it probably dates to pre-1920. This sweet pepper is lobe-shaped into three segments, and is yellow/green to red when mature. The fruit grows on a large bushy plant.
|
|
|
|
Potato: Caribe. Dating before 1800, this was a standard white Irish potato. It has a blueish skin and white flesh, and is an excellent yielder. It got its name from being an early New England export to the Caribbean.
|
|
|
|
Russet. This is a generic name for a 19th century potato which is now a variety name. They have a smooth brown skin and white flesh, generally larger in size than the Caribe. Russets are referenced in Meighen's 1878 store daybook.
|
|
|
|
Pumpkins:
Connecticut Field (110 days). Another educated guess, this pre-1900 variety weighs 25 pounds or more and is great for breads and pies. It was a very popular pumpkin during the second half of the 19th century, and is still popular today.
|
|
|
|
Radishes:
Black Spanish (55-65 days). Sold in Meighen's store, this variety was introduced before 1824. This radish has large turnip-shaped globes (3 inches to 4 inches diameter), deep black skin, and a crisp white flesh. They can be sown in July and August and kept over the winter.
|
|
|
|
Brightest Breakfast (28 days). Introduced in 1870, this looks similar to today's radishes. The fruit is scarlet red with a white tip, and is oblong in shape. Mild and sweet taste. Can be sown in May or June, not a good producer in extreme heat.
|
|
|
|
French Breakfast (20-30 days). From at least 1885, this is oblong and blunt, rose scarlet with a white tip, white flesh, and has a mildly pungent flavor.
|
|
|
Salsify:
Black Salsify (90-120 days). Grown before 1850, this is a hardy biennial with a black-skinned edible root. Planted in rows 18 inches apart, if left for a second year, seed will shoot up bearing large daisy-like yellow flowers.
Click thumbnail for larger image.
|
|
Spinach:
Round Leafed (30-40 days). Pre-dating 1900, this variety was sold in Meighen's store. It has large round leaves, and is quite prolific if planted in succession during entire season.
|
|
|
|
Squash:
Hubbard Winter Squash (105-115 days). Another variety found in Meighen's store, this was introduced in the 1790's and is quite scarce today. These extremely large squash weigh an average of 12 lbs., exhibit a smooth bronze-green skin and have sweet, dry orange flesh.
|
|
|
Summer Golden Crookneck (60 days). This was a very popular squash variety sold in Meighen's store. This has a distinct deep yellow color, curved neck, and plump end.
Click thumbnail for larger image.
|
|
Tomato:
Brandywine (80 days from transplant). Introduced in 1885, this is a pink lobed-flesh tomato. It will continue to set blossoms and fruit until frost. Producing long vines and a potato leaf, this variety is compact in growth, and medium-sized fruits ripen over a short period of time. This is a heavy producer.
|
|
More on page one
|
About Forestville
