1936 LITHOGRAPHS -- STARK BRO'S NURSERIES AND ORCHARDS

In 1936 the nation was deep into the Great Depression. Gardens and orchards were prized for family food rather than as a hobby pastime. Stark Bro's Nursery and Orchards was well established with nursery and orchard stock during this time. In 1936 they had been in business for approximately 121 years. Sales men traveled extensively to sell their products. One of the sales tools that they used was called a Plate Book. It was a visual delight -- packed full of lithographs of stock to order.

Since garden season is close upon us I thought I would post the beautiful lithos of their Plate Book that I picked up years ago. Perhaps it will get your juices going to plant some fruit trees, vines, or bushes. Following is a parade of some pages from the 1936 Salesman's Plate Book.

ALBERTA PEACHES

GRAPES

MIXED FRUIT

MIXED FRUIT

PEARS

APPLES

For a well researched history of the Stark Brothers Nursery click here.