T5302

Farmers Markets

Fruits & Vegetables

Collins Cover Announcement

Farmers Markets

Vegetables and Fruits

In late August and early September of each year there would be the anxiously awaited Firemen's Fair in my hometown of West Milford. It would be an Americana blend of carnival rides and games, booths sponsored and manned by local civic groups and businesses, and an amazing competition for vegetables, fruits, flowers, and related products produced by area residents and farmers. Dad always looked forward to entering the best of his garden crops, and each year he carne away with many blue ribbons which I still have and treasure to this day.

His specialties were Jersey sweet corn and Jersey tomatoes, but his well-tended gardens produced a beautiful and wide variety of vegetables. Big cabbages and eggplants. Clusters of Brussels sprouts and rows of carrots. Red and green peppers and a large asparagus bed. Beans and beets — cukes and squash. Dad also nurtured a variety of fruit trees from which we enjoyed homemade apple cider, cherry pies, and canned pears. Firm fresh strawberries were a seasonal favorite. People didn't freeze then, but Mom canned much of our harvest, and the basement pantry was always well stocked with veggies, fruits, and assorted pickles. Looking back, I'd say that we always had our very own farmers market out the back door or down the cellar steps.

The individually hand painted cachet is now ready for the second one in this set. It complements the new stamp perfectly. Natural fresh-picked vegetables from the black dirt soil. Fresh fruit from the trees, and canned delights pantry bound. The sight of Dad in the garden. The sound of the apples crunching in the cider press. The aroma of Mom's just baked sour cherry pie. The feel of the silk and husk as I readied the ears of golden corn for dinner. The countless tastes of country living. The five senses that thankfully linger for a lifetime.

Vegetables and fruits — Collins #T5302 at $15.00.