history of nicky crain

[PaulF]

For a local taste test (a week or so prior to the Mid-West Fest) I am planning to incorporate the history or source of names for the tomatoes to be tasted. There is pretty good information on most all the varieties I will take. One exception is Nicky Crain. This pink heart gets plenty of rave reviews, from Carloyn's book to Tatianna's website to my own experience. But very little history.

The seeds I grew out came from Neil Lockhart who indicates he got them in 1996 from Craig. Craig in the Tatianna database indicates they were received as a family heirloom.

Craig, Carolyn or anyone else, is there further light to be shed on this excellent variety and how it was named?

Thanks
Paul

[carolyn137]

Craig first listed Nicky Crain in the 1995 Yearbook and cited his source as Carl Aker in 1994. Craig knew Carl when Craig lived in PA and Carl is also the source for Aker's West Virginia, and couple more that I can't remember now.

Craig is the one to ask to see if Carl told him anything about where Carl got it and if a family heirloom, whose family heirloom and if so where from and when and why it was named Nicky Crain, a variety I also love.