Seedswomen of Minneapolis
A recent trip to the Anderson Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, near Minneapolis was a wonderful treat on many levels.
One of the best things in the Anderson Library was the display of seed catalogs in their collection that were produced by women growers. Thanks to the Anderson Horticultural Library for allowing me to photograph these images.
1. Carrie H. Lippincott
Carrie H. Lippincott was a true pioneer seed grower and seller. She began her business in the 1880’s with her first catalog being issued in 1891. She was quickly copied by other women who saw her success and copied her model. Carrie only sold flower seeds and prided herself on her quality and reliability.
Carrie H. Lippincott was a pioneer seedswoman.
Carrie was in Minneapolis for many years and later was based in Hudson, Wisconsin
Carrie H. Lippincott flower Seed catalog from 1899 – Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Miss C. H. Lippincott made a personal approach to her customers.
I love the final line from Carrie H. Lippincott ‘I am yours, for intelligent flower gardens’.
2. Jessie R. Prior
3. Emma V. White
Emma V. White also appealed directly to her predominantly female customers.
Emma V. White’s catalog covers are works of flowery art. Each year she chose a different flower to feature. The insides of the catalogs were black and white with line drawings of the flowers. These catalogs looked very similar to those of Carrie Lippincott.
Emma V. White seed catalog 1905.
Emma V. White seed catalog 1908.
Emma V. White seed catalog 1909.
Emma V. White seed catalog 1910.
Emma V. White seed catalog 1915.
In a time when it was difficult for women to start businesses of any sort the production and distribution of flower seeds was one that three Minnesota women chose. Their audience was primarily women who were delighted with a seed source of hardy seeds that grew well in a cold climate. They used personal appeals to the gardeners and artistic and colorful covers to attract future buyers. Inside the catalogs the detailed descriptions helped customers to make their choices.
Cheers to these garden business pioneers. Bye for now. Jenny Rose Carey
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