The History of Cole's Seed Store 



A WORD OF FAREWELL 



Looking backward does not invariably arouse pleasant memories, but with sever- 

 ing of our connection with ''Cole's Seed Store" many a treasured recollection was 

 brought to mind, especially in looking over the files of the different issues of our Seed 

 Catalogue. 



We find that the first one dating back to over 50 years ago, was a small list of 8 

 pages. 



It is interesting to note the wonderful progress that has been made here in the 

 West. This is especially noticeable in our line for the many valuable improvements 

 made by selection and breeding in the varieties of vegetables now grown. About 

 two-thirds of the varieties grown over 50 years ago are superseded by better sorts 

 and the old ones discarded and the same holds true of the Flower Kingdom. 



Two school boys, C. N. and E. M. Cole, started out to grow Seeds to supply the 

 local demand. This of course was done on a small scale on the Home Farm, ^4 mile 

 east of Pella. They advertised their stock during the winter months as tested and 

 live seeds, as most seed carried at that time by the stores was of doubtful nature. 

 Their small catalogue brought many orders and they became busy at the little Seed 

 Store on the farm, that the writer had to drop his school books and start to work. 



Later on they put out Commission Seed Boxes in the surrounding Country 

 Towms and also among the Pella Merchants, as people began calling for Cole's Seeds 

 ''that will grow". They kept growing seeds and increasing the list every year. In 

 1879 they moved to Pella and opened up a Seed Store on the West Side of the Park. 

 How^ever, they soon outgrew this small Seed Shop and in 1883 they leased the Van 

 Houten building on Franklin Street. A little later C. N. Cole withdrew from the 

 business to go on the road for another Wholesale Seed House, the building w^as sold 

 that we occupied and we had to vacate then. 



It is over 38 years ago w'e bought the present place on Main Street and opened 

 up "Cole's Seed Store". Since w^e occupied this building w^e have done a large 

 amount of advertising and put out a bigger Catalogue, 80 pages with Lithographed 

 Cover. Also added a wholesale Flour and Feed Department. It is the oldest Seed 

 Store in Iowa under one continuous management. In 1892 we introduced Cole's 

 Early Water Melon, which has become a popular and standard sort for the Northern 

 States. 



Now we have arrived at a stage of life when we commence to feel that for the 

 good of the business younger men must take hold and push it with new energy and 

 ambition. 



We have sold our plant to the De Jong Floral Co., of this city who have been 

 growing Plants and Flow^ers for several years and built up a fine business in this line 

 and they will combine the two plants. 



W^e bespeak for our successors a continuance of your esteemed patronage and 

 confidence so highly valued in the past by "Cole's Seed Store". 



They will carry the same reliable stock of seed that w^e did, as they take over all 

 our contracts we had out with the best growers, all seed is tested and they will try to 

 sell only live and pure seed. 



We bid Farewell and Good Luck to all our Friends and Customers. 



E. M. COLE. 



To The Public 



Dear Friends: 



The above letter of Farewell by Mr. E. M. Cole explains why you see a new name 

 on the Catalogue. To many w^ho receive this Catalogue this name will be strange, and 

 to others who have yearly received our Floral Catalogue it will be familiar. 



We are thankful for the fine support and business given us in the Floral Line, 

 and we hope you will give us a fair chance in the Seed line, we will endeavor to sell 

 only the very best of seeds at the lowest possible price. Fresh Tested Seeds will be 

 our Motto in the Seed Trade. 



For those w^ho are not acquainted with us we wish to say as Mr. Cole has already 

 said that we will continue to buy only from the most reliable Growers, and as Mr. 

 Cole has desk room for the present with us we can always avail ourselves of his val- 

 uable knowledge of Seeds. Kindly send us your order whether it be large or small, 

 we assure you that we will give you the very best of service and send you seeds that 

 you will be proud of by the results obtained by Planting our Fresh Tested Seeds. 



Yours Verv Truly, 



DE JONG FLORAL & SEED CO. 

 MARTIN J. DE JONG 

 ISAAC HOKSBERGEN. 



