For years I've been searching for a seed box in my price range -- still no luck. So when I saw Debra's post on Common Ground about recreating a seed box; I decided now was the time to have my very own. Check out Debra's post here. Since we are all about "decorating with meaning" at the Salmagundi household, I chose to duplicate what might have been a D. V. Burrell seed box. I'm not sure that Burrell's ever put out a box; so this is just my interpretation.
This is the Burrell's 114th year of operation and is still owned by the family. My Grandparents were friends of the original D. V. Burrells, and my parents lived next door to the Delavan Burrells for years. When I was a child, my Mother worked in the seed company's office for a couple of years; and my Dad, as a farmer, contracted with them to grow plants for seed. Lots of family association here!
My collage shows some of the type of seeds grown to be shipped all over the world by the Burrells.
When I was a kid, I always loved going for a ride to see all of the zinnia fields in bloom. Below are a couple of postcards from the 1940-1950s showing zinnia fields.
When I was a kid, I always loved going for a ride to see all of the zinnia fields in bloom. Below are a couple of postcards from the 1940-1950s showing zinnia fields.
Among our Rocky Ford collectibles, we have this 1935 Burrell catalog.
And in the stuff I found in my Dad's workshop was this seed bag.
This 1950s contract was between Burrell's and my Dad to grow watermelons, cantaloupe, and zinnias for the harvest of seeds.
I was the third generation to be born and raised in Rocky Ford, Colorado, the home of the world famous cantaloupe. Incidentally, the listeria scare last year were NOT cantaloupes harvested in Rocky Ford. But, I guess if you use a breed developed in Rocky Ford many years ago, you can call them Rocky Ford cantaloupes. The farming community in Rocky Ford is struggling anyway because of water issues; and the world-wide publicity about listeria hasn't helped. Great strides have been made this past year to assure the safety of all cantaloupes shipped directly from Rocky Ford.
Thanks to Debra at Common Ground for spurring me on to create my own reproduction seed box and take a trip down memory lane. My next post will be the story about the toy tractor.
I'm joining in the following parties:
Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday
The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday
Funky Junk Interiors for Saturday Nite Special
Sunday View for Vintage View Sunday
Better with Age for Give Me the Goods Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Knick of Time for Knick of Time Tuesday
Vintage on a Dime for Welcome Home Wednesday
No Minimalist Here for Thursday Open House Party
14 comments:
I love all those flowers! I am new from southern charm! I would love for you to check out my blog and hopefully follow me back. Nicole
Yay Sally, this is fabulous!!! Love hearing the wonderful family connection with this seed company. How cool that you had a graphic from them!! It turned out so great. thanks for joining in for the party!
That is a fabulous project and one that has special meaning for you! I love it!
Sally I always love hearing more of your family's history! What a neat idea to make a seed box with all those wonderful pieces from your family's past.
Finished Rodeo Bible Camp and am resting up from that today- Had a great camp!
bee blessed
mary
I love your story. Wonderful, what a small world huh? You're so lucky to have the wonderful items from their business that you do. Great your Dad kept the contract and you have that awesome old catalog. Where did you get the ad inside box top, graphics and colors are excellent.
Love the condition and excellent workmanship on your box. Be hard to find another one like that. Always love your posts. Happy days
Hi Sally! Oh, I've never heard of a seed box before but I certainly love yours and the story! I do love that all of your treasures have family memories attached to them.
Thanks for popping in and I'm dreaming of coming up on a garage sale and the Jadeite is $1 apiece! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Now that is a really interesting story. And I think it is so neat that you made your own seed box!
xo rachel
So glad you linked this post to my blog party on Sunday View! It's the perfect vintage inspiration that really is the intent of my party. My family also likes to decorate with meaning--all of our things have a story. And congratulations on being married 50+ years! We're going on 29 ourselves.
Laura from www.sundayview.blogspot.com
I've never heard of a seed box before now, but it looks great. I love the old box you used, has great patina. You did a great job with your collage, too. How wonderful you had the things from your dad's shop to add, the bag, the contract. Makes it really special, I'm sure. Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin
Love your seed box!! So special with the family treasures! Have a great day, Lori
Oh what a fun story, I love it. Your seed box is fabulous too. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Love your old box and the colorful graphic. What an interesting story, and you're so lucky to have all these treasures from your past.
Her seed box was a great inspiration, wasn't it? I love yours too and especially the story behind it and all the family history you incorporated. It's beautiful!
Liz
Gorgeous! Such great history! Thank you so much for sharing at Give Me The Goods Monday!
Jamie @ Better With Age
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