Samuel A. Burnett George A. Burnett, Founder Kenneth R. Ayers 
President and Treasurer 1864-195] Secretary 
1905 —- Celebrating the Ftalf Century Mark -1955 
TO OUR FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS: 
To you, whose patronage and good will have made this Anniversary possible, we present 
our 1955 catalog — marking our FirtierH YEAR in business. 
In 1905, our Founder, GeEorcrt A. BukNnetrT, started in a small store at 101 West St., 
which in those days was a very busy retail section of downtown Manhattan. At first the 
young enterprise depended entirely on the active transient trade of Jersey commuters using 
the ferries, and uptown home owners in the Bronx and Riverdale, which was really out in 
the country at that time. 
Gradually, as he was able to afford more help, the Founder had time to travel the eastern 
part of the country on foot and by horse and buggy, calling on the large, private estates of 
that early era. His integrity, horticultural knowledge, and reputation for supplying seeds, 
bulbs, and plants of superior quality, quickly established a discriminating clientele. The 
business rapidly outgrew its quarters and repeated moves were necessary to provide space 
for the expanding trade. The final move to our present location was made in 1918, and the 
Firm was incorporated in 1925. 
Our motto, “Reliable Seeds and Prompt Service,’ conveys the aims of the manage- 
ment. The seeds, bulbs, plants and horticultural supplies offered are the very best obtainable 
and every effort is made to meet the individual requirements of the customer. The men and 
women on the Staff have been with the Firm for many years and are practical horticulturists, 
equipped to give sound advice to gardeners and flower lovers. We are represented by traveling 
men with a complete horticultural background who are available and anxious to serve you 
at all times. 
We take this opportunity to thank you for your confidence in our merchandise and pledge 
that we will strive to maintain the standards laid down by our Founder in the years to come. 
This 50th Anniversary catalog is also a tribute to our entire personnel for their constant 
and faithful service. 
Sincerely yours, 
January, 1955 
PRESIDENT 
Robert Vaughan-Catt August Kuhn Alfred Smart 
Sales Representative 30 Years in Store Sales Representative 
