In honor of Heirloom/OP tomatoes

PaulF · December 2, 2011

My little village, founded in 1854, was the first Territorial Capital of Nebraska. A new town compared to the east coast historical beginnings of the country, but out here in the wild west what is now a sleepy old river town, we were one of the first thriving cities in the center of the country, west of the Missouri. Omaha, the million+population metroplex, was small compared to Brownville. Lewis and Clark camped in what was to become our city on their journey of discovery.

It is only fitting that Brownville has an active Historical Society. The membership has an annual gathering that includes a meal, a program usually given by an historian of some repute, an annual meeting and an auction of donated items to help pay for the soiree.

I have for the past five years donated a couple of coupons redeemable for five heirloom tomato plants of the highest bidder's choice either from my inventory or any other variety they would want. The first couple of years they went for $5 or $7 for 5 plants. Last year the figure was up to $20 for each group of five. This year the bidding got carried away and each coupon brought in $40. $80 for ten plants! I know it was for a fund raiser, but still I was amazed. Both winners have already contacted me asking when I could get started growing "their tomatoes".

From five years ago no one in town even knowing what an heirloom tomato was to most in the village who have gardens asking for some of my "weird" tomatoes makes me happy and proud. Thank you Tomatovillians for all your help.

December 2, 2011	#1
PaulF Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Brownville, Ne Posts: 3,296	In honor of Heirloom/OP tomatoes My little village, founded in 1854, was the first Territorial Capital of Nebraska. A new town compared to the east coast historical beginnings of the country, but out here in the wild west what is now a sleepy old river town, we were one of the first thriving cities in the center of the country, west of the Missouri. Omaha, the million+population metroplex, was small compared to Brownville. Lewis and Clark camped in what was to become our city on their journey of discovery. It is only fitting that Brownville has an active Historical Society. The membership has an annual gathering that includes a meal, a program usually given by an historian of some repute, an annual meeting and an auction of donated items to help pay for the soiree. I have for the past five years donated a couple of coupons redeemable for five heirloom tomato plants of the highest bidder's choice either from my inventory or any other variety they would want. The first couple of years they went for $5 or $7 for 5 plants. Last year the figure was up to $20 for each group of five. This year the bidding got carried away and each coupon brought in $40. $80 for ten plants! I know it was for a fund raiser, but still I was amazed. Both winners have already contacted me asking when I could get started growing "their tomatoes". From five years ago no one in town even knowing what an heirloom tomato was to most in the village who have gardens asking for some of my "weird" tomatoes makes me happy and proud. Thank you Tomatovillians for all your help. __________________ there's two things money can't buy; true love and home grown tomatoes.