THE BUILDING OF A LIFE 
GEO. W. PARK 
The readers of Geo. W. Park's catalogue and of that delightfully quaint and help¬ 
ful publication, "Park's Floral Magazine," are well acquainted with the life and char¬ 
acter of this magnificent man, this pioneer seedsman, who, by his zeal, energy, deter¬ 
mination and love for his chosen profession, won for himself a host of patrons and 
friends throughout the country. 
So great was Mr. Park's interest and love for flowers that by the time he was 
fifteen he had grown and saved enough seed, and by hard work secured enough 
money to buy a small hand press. With this equipment the Geo. W. Park seed busi¬ 
ness was established in 1868 at Fannettsburg, Pa. He published a four-page sheet 
and sent it to friends, acquaintances and a small list of names secured. During the 
period of establishment and growth of his business he attended the Michigan Agri¬ 
cultural College. Later he moved to LaPark, Pa., where he established himself in a 
commodious, well-equipped office with a large force of help to carry on the work of 
office, greenhouses, and gardens. During this period his catalogue mailing list reached 
800,000 and he began editing the "Park's Floral Magazine," a publication treasured 
as an authority upon flowers and their culture by the host of interested subscribers. 
This magazine reached a circulation of 600,000 before he sold out during the World 
War and went south. 
Finding himself too full of energy of body, mind and spirit to continue in retire¬ 
ment from his beloved calling, he re-established his seed business in 1925 in Green¬ 
wood, South Carolina. Here he built up again a catalogue mailing list of 350,000. 
He continued actively to manage his business and keep up his correspondence with 
the large circle of flower friends until a few months before his death. 
Realizing that his summons were near at hand, characteristic of the determination, 
will power, and high endeavor .of the man, he planned and dictated his 1935 cata¬ 
logue, a copy of which was sent to many who will read this life story. Calmly and 
quietly he awaited the call of the Master which was answered upon Sabbath after¬ 
noon, February 3rd, 1935. 
