Celebrating the Herb Sale at 70
The Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America have been hosting its Annual Herb Sale since 1939 (except for 1989). We would like to celebrate the upcoming 70th anniversary of this fund-raising event by sharing the favorite remembrances of our members, volunteers, and costumers. Below, see other people's recollections and make your contribution in the form of a brief story, photograph, or memorabilia that we can post on this page. (Messages maybe edited for length and appropriate content.)
Official History of the Herb Sale
"The Herb Sale of The Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America" circa 1989
Three years after the first member of The Philadelphia Unit (then known as The Central Unit) was invited to join the newly established Herb Socitety of America, the eight local members decided to hold an herb sale.
Having started a demonstration garden at the Ambler School of Horticulture and a Medicinal Herb Garden at the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, a great deal of interest in Herbs was evidenced . Many visitors to the gardens wanted to know where to obtain plants for themselves.
The site chosen for the herb sale in 1939 was the Medicinal Herb Garden at the College of Physicians, and for months in advance, Unit members set about growing plants and dividing material from their own gardens.
One of the emphases early on was the correct nomenclature for each plant. (This dedication to accuracy still exists today.) Labels were written by hand, giving the carefully researched name of each plant purchased. Although the records are vague at best, the first sale was considered very successful, netting over $200.
Memories of Shoppers and Unit Members
"This was my first time at the Herb Sale. I found unique items and enjoyed the variety and the chance to meet new people. I also enjoyed the flea market area." (Wendy, no city listed)
"My memory fails me as to how I found the Herb Sale. Perhaps the artistically designed yellow card drew me. This show has been a family tradition for some and many drive quite a distance to attend. I enjoy the excitement and anticipation of standing in line, wondering what will be my favorite find beyond the gate. I try to think small, but it never works. At checkout, I see others have fallen under the same spell. We grin at each other and acknowledge that we did it again... wagons, boxes and baskets, filled to the brims!" (Beth, no city listed)
"I first started going to the Herb Sale about 20 years ago, with my young children in tow. I would sit them on the bank at the Douglas farm and shop. (They were well-behaved.) The sale became a springtime ritual for me and, even after going back to teaching art full time, I've saved a personal day each year so I can attend. One of my favorite memories is the Mai Bowle set up on card tables at the Bryce Douglas farm sales. I think I still have the recipe card for that concoction tucked in my recipe box. It was served in small plastic cups with a strawberry slice or two floating in it. Yum. I also cherish watching my little Herb Robert volunteers that pop up all over each spring, all descendents of the original plant I purchased from Joanna Reed."(Jill, Unionville, PA)
"I have attended the Herb Sale every May for the past ten years with the same love and excitement that I have when the St. Davids Fair comes around every October...never to be missed! I have designed and redesigned many an herb garden and look forward to trying all the "new" plants that I see at the tables each year. The year I designed my English Knot Garden was certainly the most fun! This year was no exception, as I bought more herbs than I've ever bought before! I have introduced at least a dozen people to the sale and most wouldn't miss it for the world...we make a morning of it and then all go out to lunch!" (Laura, Berwyn, PA)
"For many years, I would bring a grandchildren and a little red wagon. They would stand in the middle of the field while I ducked in and out of the crowd selecting my treasures. The children would take the plants from me and put them in the wagon. After paying for our selections, we'd pull the wagon back to the car. Actually the first couple of times the children were so small I'd pull them and the plants back to the car!" (Ann, Berwyn, PA)
"It was a rainy, rainy morning and everyone was arriving in slickers. But the line of shoppers with their cheerful wagons was as long as ever. The sun broke through at 10:15 bringing a glorious day. A mother and young son in matching red raincoats turned their open, red umbrella upside down and fileld it with herbs. Both held onto the handle as they happily filled it with herbs. They walked to the car. I stopped them and took a picture. They consented o allowing us to use that photo for future publicity." (Dru, Chester Springs, PA)
"Every Spring, when the light, warm rains begin to fall, I start looking for my baskets and calculating just how many baskets I can carry at once and how many plants will fit in each one." (Kit, Downingtown, PA)
Summing up the bounty of the day
"I recall one year in particular. I was in charge of the sale at the Douglas farm. That year there was only one tent set up for poeple to eat lunch. Suddenly the weather turned and high, high winds came cruising in. Bryce Douglas was upset because of the potential danger. We managed to get everyone safely out of the tent, but I was so stressed, I thought I was having a heart attack!" (Caroline, Glenmoore, PA)
"My mother, Lucy Reinhart, came to the Herb Sale every year for many years. She got our whole family involved. We scattered when the gate was opened, but always came together at the end to examine each other's bounty. One year I recall my mother pushing my father, who had had a stroke, in a wheelchair across the green grass at the Douglas farm. They laughed and were just as excited as any other year, inspiring all who saw them for their joie de vivre." (Holly, Phoenixville, PA)
Careful considerations at the Rosemary table
An interview with Caroline Amidon
Member since 1974
President, Herb Society of America 1996-1998
Q: What are some of the highlights for you around the annual Herb Sale?
A: Some years it seemed as though the people came as much for the food as
for the plants. I remember one year when Joanna Reed made enough chicken
salad for more than 200 people. She boiled chicken for days, some nights
going to the local Acme for fresh chicken at 11 o'clock. Joanna used the
same stock over and over until it was a rich, flavorful consommé. Eating
that soup the day before the sale was a highlight, a special treat reserved
for unit members.
Q: What are some of the more complicated aspects of the herb sale?
A: One is how to reconcile the plant needs of members with our primary
mission of serving the public. We have attempted to work that out in many
ways. In the beginning, unit members were not allowed to buy plants until
the sale was over. But after all the work we put into it, that was not very
satisfying! One year I chaired a committee to allow unit members to
pre-order their plants. But custom packing those large orders was too
time-consuming. More recently, we have attempted to simply order more of the
plants we know members will want. Finding the best method of doing this
continues to be a challenge.
Q: Is there anything you miss about the old days?
A: In the early days, Marge Willits made a marvelous mushroom soup that was
served with Joanna's chicken salad. Later when we served sandwiches, unit
members made gallons of ginger carrot soup. I don't miss the work, but I do
miss the soup.
Q: What makes you most proud of the annual Herb Sale?
A: Well, there is nothing like it in the area. The Herb Sale supports the
Herb Society of America's mission on so many levels: we demonstrate our
unit's commitment to educating the public and in a very tangible way; we
perpetuate the use and delight of herbs.
