Throughout the year, the Smithsonian Libraries works with brand managers at the Smithsonian Enterprises to develop products based on unique items in our collection. From sleigh beds to weather vanes, our books have inspired a variety of merchandise! Not only are they neat items, but a portion of the proceeds comes back to the Libraries for the care and maintenance of our collection. Below is a list of perfectly giftable items just in time for the holiday season.
Tag: seed catalogs
In honor of the patriotic spirit of the Fourth of July, plus the gardening season that is upon us, we take a special look at victory gardens!
Though more known for their place in the Second World War, victory gardens (or war gardens as they were initially called) were first advocated during World War I. In addition to rationing other goods, citizens were urged to do their patriotic duty and grow their own vegetables, fruits and herbs at home in order to free up resources for the military. It was hoped that with more resources, the U.S. forces would have better success on the warfront.
Iowa Seed Co., 36th Annual Catalogue, 1906. Back Cover. October is National Apple Month. The Libraries has an abundance of beautiful images of fruits and the like in its seed more »
J. Bolgiano & Son, Bolgiano's 100 Years (1918), Baltimore, MD, United States. Today is Uncle Sam's Birthday. His origins are connected to the War of 1812 (much earlier than I more »
Buist Seed Company, Buist's Garden Guide and Almanac, 1896. August is National Golf Month. The Libraries has a great quantity of seed catalogs in its trade literature collection, which tell more »
To keep the holiday mood going, a patriotic-themed seed catalog from 1898, Vaughan's Seed Store Autumn Bulbs and Plants. —Elizabeth Periale