Notes From the York Daily, January 24, 1894

Authors

• Alfred L. Shoemaker

Document Type

Notes

Files

Date

1950

Keywords

tomatoes, York County Historical Society, York Daily newspaper, love apple, prison, Bermuda

Description

A set of handwritten notes from the York Daily newspaper from January 24, 1894, compiled by Alfred L. Shoemaker circa 1950. The notes describe the story of how the tomato plant, or love apple, was introduced to York, planted in a prison yard by an inmate from Bermuda.

Corresponds to:

Packet 2, Item 2-3

City

York, Pennsylvania

Transcription

York Daily

Jan. 24, 1894

How tomatoes were introduced: clipping at YCHS

A good many years ago a man who had recently arrived from the Bermuda Islands was sent to the York county jail for some offense committed against the laws of the Commonwealth. He had with him a few seeds which he planted in the rich soil of the jail yard. Before the plants which sprang from the seed reached maturity, he was discharged, and no one knew the nature of them. They grew luxuriantly, bearing fruit of a large size and unusual appearance. As this strange fruit ripened, its color changed from green to a brilliant red, and became an object of wonder and admiration to all the inmates of the jail. Mrs. Klinefelter, the lady keeper, cautioned all the prisoners against eating any of the fruit, as she was sure it was poisonous, but planted some of the seed, as she desired to preserve specimens of it for him should he return in time. Just when the fruit was fully matured, the Bermuda prisoner revisited the jail and asked to see the plant. This request granted, he next called for pepper, salt, and vinegar, and to the horror of the good lady commenced to eat of the supposed poisonous fruit with a relish that astonished the beholders. After enjoying the strange repast, he informed Mrs. K that the fruit or vegetable was the tomato, or love apple, and it would be found wholesome and nutritious. The seeds of the remaining tomatoes were carefully preserved and distributed among the friends and neighbors of the lady, and thus this popular succulent was introduced into the ancient and goodly borough of York. For many years thereafter it was cultivated as an ornament rather than for table use, but by degrees its merits became fully understood and appreciated, and there, as elsewhere, it grew into general public favor.

Language

English

Rights Statement

This item is available courtesy of the Ursinus College Library Special Collections Department. It is not to be copied or distributed for commercial use. For permissions which fall outside of educational use, please contact the Special Collections Department.

Recommended Citation

Shoemaker, Alfred L., "Notes From the York Daily, January 24, 1894" (1950). Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents. 307.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/shoemaker_documents/307