S. plait Qa. 
1638-1938 
T his is New Haven’s Tercentenary. New Haven has contributed much to our State and Nation 
from the early pioneer days to the present in Science, Education and Industry, for which it 
may well be proud. It is very fitting that we celebrate New Haven’s Three Hundredth 
birthday. 
Platt’s Seed Store now has sixty-one years to its credit on State Street, and is considered by 
many as a landmark in our city, and a pioneer in the Seed Industry. Its foundations, however, are 
much older. The name Platt is of Welsh origin and means plain; given the family because of the 
location in which they lived. In 1326 the family was granted arms. Richard Platt founded a school 
in Hertfordshire, England, in the sixteenth century. Sir Hugh Platt was a noted Agriculturist in 
the days of Shakespeare. Richard Platt, of Hartford, England, came to New Haven about 1638, 
and was one of the first settlers of Milford in 1639. Joseph Platt, father of Frank S. Platt, grew 
and sold seeds many years before Frank S. Platt opened his seed store on State Street, February, 
1877. 
Hidden Assets in Seeds 
S eeds are bought for what they will produce. Yet there is no way of judging from appearance 
whether a certain lot of seeds will produce a good crop or a poor one. Seeds may be tested for 
germination in a few days. It is comparatively simple to make such a test and no seedsman should 
think of selling seeds without a germination test. But the only way of knowing in advance what seeds 
are likely to produce is to know the characteristics of their parents. Good seed stocks must come from 
outstanding plants possessing, to the greatest possible extent, the desired qualities of productiveness, 
uniformity, season, flavor, color, disease-resistance, or any other good feature. Such stocks are the 
result of integrity and skill in selection and plant breeding. 
FOR SIXTY YEARS, through hard times and prosperity, the confidence of our customers has enabled 
us to maintain the high standards whereby PLATT’S SEEDS liave stood The Test of Time. 
a Sp^ecialtif. See<i 
for Lawns and Athletic Fields, and invite 
your inquiries concerning formulas to meet special needs 
