
f 
D. M. WETSEL, Founder 
FARMERS BENEFIT 
BY WETSEL’S SERVICE 
The steady growth of the Wetsel Seed Company 
down through the years has been a great benefit 
to farmers, truckers and gardeners in the Valley 
and adjacent sections, including a large section 
of West Virginia. 
Among the numerous direct benefits that have 
accrued are the following: 
1. Our large year-around stocks of a full assort- 
ment of dependable seeds and allied lines enable 
dealers, farmers and gardeners to supply their 
needs almost instantly. They are not compelled 
to order from distant points long before actual 
needs. They can buy early or late in each season 
and in large or small quantities at Wetsel’s. In 
many instances they are able to return surplus 
quantities. 
2. Our large purchases direct from growers in 
many states, mostly in car lots, eliminate un- 
necessary freight and other handling charges. 
Because of these savings we are able to supply 
dealers and planters at prices below what they 
would otherwise have to pay for their require- 
ments. 
3. The seed cleaning equipment which we have 
gradually added to our plant during the last 22 
years has enabled farmers over a large area to 
grow many of their own seeds and grains; and 
provided a ready market for their surplus crops, 
at top prices afforded by prevailing market con- 
ditions. Many thousands of bushels of Clovers, 
Orchard Grass, Lespedeza and other grasses 
now find a ready cash market here. In the years 
between the first Virginia Seed Law and the in- 
stallation of our first cleaning mill farmers were 
prevented from producing clover seed. They 
were deprived of a cash crop and compelled to 
buy Clover that was produced in western states. 
Also, because of our long experience and clean- 
ing and treating facilities, farmers are able to 
sell to us for seed, at a premium, large quanti- 
es of wheat, barley, oats, rye and other crops, 
ich would otherwise have to be sold at milling 
feed prices. In short, due to our facilities, 
risonburg has become the Seed Center for a 
farming and gardening area. 
SINCE 1902 
It all started back in 1902 when D. M. Wetsel Sr., a blacksmith, residing on a fertile farm of 
15 acres, ordered several varieties of pure seed corn and began to experiment with the view of 
determining which strains were best adapted to this climate. 
Three years later, in 1905, he acquired a farm adjacent to the Shenandoah River, comprising 
160 acres. Here, Mr. Wetsel was able to ascertain which types of corn were best adapted to 
both upland and lowland and which kinds yielded best in wet and dry seasons. 
Thus, he became widely known as a breeder of and an authority on seed corn, He exhibited at 
county and state fairs over an area of several hundred miles and each season won numerous top 
honors. In the spring of each year he attended Court Days, public sales and other places where 
farmers assembled, displaying samples of corn and taking orders. 
Other farm and garden crops were added from year to year. It was in this era that the business 
became known as the Green Island Seed Farm. The next step was that of a Seed Wagon, painted 
green, and especially designed for the display of corn and other kinds of seeds. 
Thus, it will readily be seen that the small store which was opened in 1911 under the name of 
D. M. Wetsel & Son, was just another progressive step rather than an entirely new venture. 
However, as many readers know, we have come a long 
way since that first store was established. 
For we now occupy one of the most modern and well OUR 1911 STORE 
equipped Seed Houses in Virginia and adjoining states. ’ g 
The exterior of our plant is shown below. A number of 
interior views are shown on other pages in this catalog, 
including store, office, warehouse and seed cleaning rooms. 
These modern and spacious facilities, coupled with an 
accumulation of experience over a span of 40 years, enable 
us to clean, store and distribute seeds of all kinds in an 
efficient manner, under the most favorable conditions and 
at a minimum of cost to dealers, farmers, truckers and 
home gardeners. 
For more than 25 years we have also carried a large stock 
and wide assortment of what is known in the seed trade 
as allied-lines, including poultry supplies, insecticides, 
fungicides, garden and lawn fertilizers, etc. 
The same personal and ever careful attention which was 
among the outstanding characteristics of our founder con- 
tinues to dominate this organization’s activities. 
Make sure of quality, service and fair treatment by using 
Wetsel’s Seeds and supplies. Ask your dealer for them. 

OUR PRESENT STORE AND WAREHOUSE 
PE Re 

