Horticultural Heirlooms
The timeless tradition of heirlooms refers to more than jewelry. In gardens, heirlooms are any cultivars that keep their genetic make-up and are shared by generations of seed savers. Here are two stories of famous ones.
Mortgage Lifter Tomato
While trying to feed his family and
neighbors and pay his mortgage during
the Great Depression, "Radiator Charlie"
crossed four tomato strains to create this
signature plant. This big meaty tomato was so
successful, Charlie was able to sell seedlings
for a dollar each and paid off his mortgage in
six years. Thus, the Mortgage Lifter was born.
Blue Hubbard Squash
This heirloom dates back to the 18th
century when a sea captain delivered the
seeds of this plant to friends in Marblehead, MA.
In the 19th century, it made its way to Mrs. Elizabeth
Hubbard. Eventually, it was named the Blue Hubbard
squash by her neighbor and well-known seed marketer
James Howard Gregory, who included it in his catalog.
Because of the sweet flavor, Blue Hubbard squash
was favored for making pumpkin pies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 41° 40.045′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Small Tree, Big History! (here, next to this marker); Peter Navarre Cabin (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Peter Navarre Cabin (a few steps from this marker); Elmer W. Hinkleman Rhododendron Gardens (about 600 feet away, measured
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
