Ramapo, Moreton, KC-146 and Mortgage Lifter- 1930-70s

Douglas_OW · August 28, 2013

Here's a recent post from Rutgers. I think that most of this info has already been posted/discussed here and elsewhere, but at least its a source that can be referenced.

Mortgage Lifter, Brandywine, Ramapo, Supersonic, Cherokee Purple. How do tomato varieties get these unique and sometimes odd names? There may not be as many colorful stories as there are intriguing names, but some stand out, as in the case of the heirloom tomato, Mortgage Lifter. The story goes that in the 1930s a West Virginia mechanic who repaired truck radiators, M.C. “Radiator Charlie” Byles crossed the largest tomatoes he could find with the German Johnson tomato. His huge tasty tomatoes were a hit and by the 1940s he was selling the seedlings of his new tomato for one dollar each and people drove from miles around to get them. From these sales, Radiator Charlie... Read more »

Jim

Alfredo · August 28, 2013

Thanks for posting this link Jim.

I really enjoy reading the background info/histories of the various tomato varieties.

August 28, 2013	#1
Douglas_OW Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NJ z5 Posts: 281	Ramapo, Moreton, KC-146 and Mortgage Lifter- 1930-70s Here's a recent post from Rutgers. I think that most of this info has already been posted/discussed here and elsewhere, but at least its a source that can be referenced. Mortgage Lifter, Brandywine, Ramapo, Supersonic, Cherokee Purple. How do tomato varieties get these unique and sometimes odd names? There may not be as many colorful stories as there are intriguing names, but some stand out, as in the case of the heirloom tomato, Mortgage Lifter. The story goes that in the 1930s a West Virginia mechanic who repaired truck radiators, M.C. “Radiator Charlie” Byles crossed the largest tomatoes he could find with the German Johnson tomato. His huge tasty tomatoes were a hit and by the 1940s he was selling the seedlings of his new tomato for one dollar each and people drove from miles around to get them. From these sales, Radiator Charlie... Read more » Jim

August 28, 2013	#2
Alfredo Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Clifton, NJ Posts: 554	Thanks for posting this link Jim. I really enjoy reading the background info/histories of the various tomato varieties. __________________ ~Alfredo