Old SSE Yearbooks

[kimpossible]

I am trying to obtain old SSE Yearbooks prior to the year 2000. The motivation for this is to "do my homework" when I am considering seed varieties to order from members, and to ultimately re-offer (doing my best not to perpetuate any prior errors). Can anyone help - any ideas SSE only has 2000 to 2005 available.

[carolyn137]

Kim,

THe only source of pre-2000 Yearbooks that I can think of is from those who have been SSE members for many years, and speaking for myself, I'm not giving up any of them.

It seems to me that since you can only request varieties from listers in the current Yearbook, not any back yearbooks, that there would be quite a bit of info available to you just from the post 2000 Yearbooks.

Many varieties are listed year after year, but of course with some dropping out and many new ones being added, and I find my Yearbooks to be mainly an advantage in tracing variety origins when someone asks about that.

So I honestly don't have a clue as to where you'd find pre-2000 Yearbooks, that is, from all that I know who have them who would be willing to give them up to you.

If you go ahead and purchase those post-2000 Yearbooks and still have questions about certain varieties that you can't find, I'd be willing to try and locate information about them for you, my time available.

Just b'c I'm curious, what kinds of information are you looking for re specific varieties that you can't find elsewhere? Such as the NCSU Cultivar list for commercial heirlooms for many, but not for family heirlooms. Or SODCanada, where quite frankly there's quite a bit of wrong info, or from the French site Ventmarin, or from Amy LeBlanc's MOGFA Organic list?

I guess I'm just a bit in the dark as to what you really are after re information.

[kimpossible]

Thanks Carolyn. My main motivation is just to trace back the path of certain seed sources through the years, to make as an informed decision as possible when choosing from whom to request seed. I just don't want to select a variety that seems to be different, and yet is just the result of a spelling mistake or other error. I have read various threads re:errors in the listings, how varieties become wrongly named, or re-named, or listed under multiple names when they are all the same thing, and don't want to add to the confusion (the Brandywine saga being the most infamous!). Also, I have found varieties which have one name, and more than one person listing, and the descriptions provided are totally different from each other (for supposedly the same variety!)
As far as researching the actual history of various varieties, I have used a couple of the sources you named (but will have to Google others because I don't know their web addresses). I am searching for some old Canadian varieties, and have located most. If I end up not being able to track a variety down, I will certainly ask you about it, and thank you for that generous offer.

[cdntomato]

Carolyn, sound familiar? Seems that I have a kindred spirit here in Canuckland.

Hi, Kim. (Great name--4-yr old friend's fave cartoon) What Canadian varieties are you trying to track or locate?

Jennifer, 2 years later still reeling from the news that Raymond Tratt threw out all of his old Yearbooks, SSE and SODC.

[kimpossible]

Hi Jennifer - good to meet a kindred Canuck spirit! I got pinned with Kimpossible at work ... (a funny story).

A couple varieties I haven't found yet are "Carlton" & "Ferguson". I still haven't finished looking so my list may grow or shrink.

It sounds like old SSE yearbooks may be a hot commodity! Someone should list on EBay! :wink:

[cdntomato]

Kim, I have seeds for Ferguson and know where to get Carleton. All my Ferguson seeds are spoken for , unfortunately. I could send you some seeds in the autumn or give you a or 2 plant this spring if you are in the Kingston area.

Jennifer, still looking for a Frontenac source.

[kimpossible]

Thanks, Jennifer - I will take you up on the Ferguson in the fall - are you listing with SSE? So it's Carleton, not Carlton !? :wink: (see - this is what I'm talking about ) I'd appreciate knowing the source. Email me if you like. I guess I will also be having trouble finding Frontenac!

[cdntomato]

But why would you have difficulty? You're Kimpossible! 8)

Yes, I'll probably list Ferguson with SSE, possibly SODC. Other rarer Canadian varieties may be more of a priority to list though. Some are on offer in the Seed Exchange/Available for Trade section at Tomatoville. Ask away if you want something.

Curious why you are looking for those two varieties in particular.

Jennifer, who is, ahem, picky about correctness and has been called a bloodhound-terrier (female version).

[kimpossible]

I have decided to locate and grow out all the Canadian varieties I can get my hands on. Plus SOD is initiating a project to this effect, and I want to do my part.

I want to make my own evaluations as to whether or not they're "keepers" & I should help get more people growing those varieties (saving seed).

[carolyn137]

Kim, if it's mainly Canadian varieties, then talk to Jennifer.

Of those few Canadian SSE members most are not listing Canadian varieties but are just plain looking for good varieties, regardless of origin. He traded with several SSE members who listed some of his varieties, but I wasn't interested in his Canadian varieties so passed on the offer, but I never knew him to be a member himself.

Jennifer, since when was Raymond ever an SSE member? Not that I know of or remember.He traded with several SSE members who listed some of his varieties, but I wasn't interested in his Canadian varieties so passed on the offer, but I never knew him to be a member himself.


And don't even mention e-bay to me Kim, for I cover my eyes when even thinking about it and all the stupid, deceitful tomato varieties that are offered there for ridiculous prices.

[kimpossible]

I am definitely looking for GREAT varieties, but because of the SOD tomato project, thought I would put some effort into the Canadian varieties - regrow the GREAT ones, not bother with the rest if there are no redeeming qualities... There are just too many GREAT tomatoes, and too little time!

I had absolutely no idea that tomatoes were offered on EBay I just meant using it to auction off some old SSE Yearbooks to the highest bidder! (Or maybe someone who has such a hot commodity could start an on-line auction here :wink

[clay199]

This place is not safe anymore with two individuals who are interested in Canadian varieties and who are worried about precise, logical histories.

I think I am gonna chuck rocks, and see what wakes up.

[kimpossible]

Be afraid Clay, be very afraid...

I think you're safe ... Canada's a big country! What are you, about 3000 miles away (5000 kms!)

[clay199]

Like the license plate says...I live in Beautiful British Columbia.

I will probably have Ferguson seeds for you if Jennifer doesn't next fall. It sounds as if you two are running off the same chain.

Just don't tell me you live in TCOTU.

[kimpossible]

TCOTU?