The 1943 Park's Spring Flower Book was notable for being published during the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Park Seed Company. By this point in history, founder George Watt Park had passed away, his sons, John Barratt Park and William John Park, were serving in World War II, and George's wife, Mary Barratt Park, was leading the company.
Mary and the marketing team of the time joined the whole country in promoting V for victory wherever they could. On the 1943 catalog cover, at right, you can see the orange V incorporated into the 75th anniversary mention. The V required no explanation to anyone receiving that book!
Upon opening the cover, gardeners immediately encountered Squirrel Buddy and Little Mr. Economy (circled, left), with their message to buy war bonds and to grow both vegetables and flowers in every Victory Garden.
A bit deeper into the book, gardeners found another admonition to "Get your Vitamins for 1943 from Your Own Victory Vegetable Garden" (below). This headline was accompanied by a brimming Harvest basket of fruits and vegetables, "for health and economy." The text continues:
"Insure yourself of a plentiful food supply during 1943 by growing your own Victory Vegetable Garden. For, it is quite probable that there will be a scarcity of fresh vegetables due to farm labor shortage, and transportation overload. We offer here a select list of the very best vegeatbles known. From us you will get the best seeds and always the most for your money at Park's famous 'Best for Less' prices."
Among the vegetables receiving an asterisk as a variety "we especially recommend," I spotted Tomato Victor and V-1 Muskmelon, again reinforcing the Victory focus.
And rounding out that theme, the back cover (left) was devoted completely to urging gardeners to "Sow the Seeds of Freedom" by taking advantage of the "7 leading vegetables" in the Victory Anniversary Offers: beans, beets, carrots, lettuce, peas, sweet corn, and tomato.
Next time, I'll share some Victory Garden images and ideas from the 1944 Park Seed catalog!
Do you have memories of gardening for victory during World War II? How about during World War I?
I would really love to find Park publications from the 1917-1918 era, when victory gardening was also encouraged by the government.
Contact me to share your images and stories of the gardens and gardeners in your life! The way I see it, every garden is a victory--of hope and faith in the future!
Contact me at ckuhl@parkseed.com with your memories to share.
