In search of a million bulbs

To the Editor:

I’m seeking the help of your readers to assist me with historical research I have undertaken.

The West Hants Historical Society recently received an inquiry from a researcher with the Braunton and District Museum, North Devon, England. The background is as follows:

In the summer of 1941, during the dark days of WWII, Seymour, Colby Ltd., a bulb and flower growing business, sent one million bulbs (mainly tulip) to Canada; Nova Scotia in particular. The land on which they were normally planted was required for food production, but the company wanted to save their particular genetic strain.

Seymour, Colby had previously done business with Ralph Loomer and Frank Marriott of Avon Valley Greenhouses, so contracted with them to handle the Canadian end of the transfer.

Over the next few years these bulbs were planted throughout the area and farther afield. Thirteen acres were planted at Falmouth, The grounds around Haliburton House and Government House and the Public Gardens in Halifax were filled. Bulbs were shipped to Ottawa, where they were planted in several public parks.

The Burton and District Museum has requested pictures, stories and particularly a copy of the articles printed in The Hants Journal of the day. The West Hants Historical Society has an excellent picture of tulip bulbs in full bloom at Haliburton House.

I have talked to several people and have collected some very interesting anecdotes, however, I cannot find the article in The Hants Journal. It is also possible that articles were published in Halifax newspapers. These would have been published between the fall of 1941 and the fall of 1942.

Any assistance with this or further information relating to this story will greatly appreciated. Readers may contact me directly at 798-2823, or e-mail wilsonjd@ns.sympatico.ca

Sincerely,

John D. Wilson

Windsor, N.S.