1943--OTWELL IRIS FIELDS --1943 
CARLINVILLE, ILLINOIS 

This flower-surrounded home has been visited yearly by many 
thousands of flower lovers. It was built by the late Will B. Otwell, 
who founded the Otwell Iris Fields and who for many years was a 
successful nurseryman and horticulturist. The home is still occupied 
by his wife, Winifred B. Otwell, who is continuing with the work. 
The iris growing began as a simple experiment to beautify some 
vacant town lots. The result was so gratifying that the plants were 
transferred to their present place, where the work of developing and 
perfecting them has continued through twenty years, until today 
Otwell iris are grown in gardens in every state in the Union. 
Whether ‘“‘people make the place” or “the place makes people” 
is debatable. Life weaves its pattern so intricately about both, that 
we seem a part of our abode, and cannot be content elsewhere. This 
flowered spot, for me, is home—away from it spells homesickness. 
It is encouraging to know that the love of the beautiful still lives 
in the hearts of people in a war torn and intensely practical age. I 
would share these acres of beauty with you—they would not be half 
so beautiful to me without your presence and enthusiasm—so I am 
hoping to greet you personally when you come in May. But if a visit 
is not possible for all this year, I shall look forward to meeting you 
through the pages of this little folder, to share with you the loveliness 
of our realm of beauty which is the rich product of the soil and soul. 
Winifred B. Otwell 
