There was little in his early ré©sumé© to indicate that James J.H. Gregory would become known by the time of his death in 1910 as the "Seed King."
According to a profile found under Gregory's entry in the online "Seedsmen Hall of Fame," the Marblehead native was on his way to a successful career in education. He had taught school in his hometown from 1848 to 1850 and obtained a degree from Amherst College (Class of 1850) before being hired to head the prestigious Derby Academy in Hingham in 1851.
The educator had become interested in horticulture as a young man when a neighbor, Elizabeth Hubbard, gave his father a green, hard-shell squash normally found in warmer climates. The squash tickled his taste buds, and Gregory was pleased to discover that he could even grow it in New England. When his own version hit the commercial market many years later, he paid tribute to Hubbard by naming it after her.
After decades of evolution and experimentation, Gregory, now totally committed to horticultural pursuits, produced a new improved Hubbard in the 1860s that he named "Marblehead." Another Gregory variation of the original Hubbard squash was the Blue Hubbard, which was not only blue but could weigh as much as 50 pounds.
According to one source, it was the Marblehead that brought fame to Gregory. It was one of the largest varieties in the world, sometimes tipping the scales at a whopping 60 pounds. Despite its size, claimed one testimonial, the vegetable was unmatched "for reliability for heading, sweetness and tenderness."
By 1900, Gregory was one of the premier growers and sellers of seeds in America. On his more than 400 acres, spread out over Marblehead and neighboring communities, he grew many varieties of squash, as well as cherry tomatoes, "Danvers onions," Burbank white potatoes and other vegetables.
While his business was selling squash seeds, the squash itself did not go to waste. Locals lined up at the Squash House on Elm Street (moved there from Gerry Island) to procure the expendable cabbage. This policy of "recycling" made Gregory a popular man in his hometown.
Like Lynn entrepreneur Lydia Pinkham, who was the first to use her own image on every bottle of her company's famous potion, Gregory was also a marketing innovator. The Marblehead businessman is said to have introduced seed packages that featured a colorful picture of the vegetable in full bloom and instructions for the planting and care of the seeds within.
Gregory was as unlucky in love as he was blessed in his business. He was married three times, and two of those wives predeceased him. While he never fathered any children of his own, Gregory and his various spouses adopted eight orphans. He and his family lived comfortably in the Peach's Point area.
Giving away squash and giving orphaned children a home was just the tip of the Gregory legacy of service. The large painting that hangs in the selectmen's Room in Abbot Hall called "Crossing the Grand Banks" was a gift from the seedsman, as were many other paintings and prints now in the possession of the town.
Gregory was a member of the Abbot Hall building committee, and also forked over the funds for the bell and clock in the building's iconic tower. He was not responsible, however, a local wag once noted, for the dead pigeons that are often found in the tower.
Gregory also gave what is now called Fountain Park to the people of Marblehead for future generations to enjoy.
The "Seed King" never forgot his academic roots. In the 1880s, the former teacher made a sizable contribution to a school for black children that had been started by the American Missionary Association in Wilmington, N.C. The school was then renamed the Gregory Normal Institute in his honor. The institution operated until 1921, and, upon its closing, a nearby public school was named for the Marblehead philanthropist.
Beginning in 1906, Gregory donated more than 30,000 books to schools for African-Americans and poor rural whites, as well as to some prisons and missions in the American South. All the titles were personally chosen by Gregory and stamped "Marblehead Libraries."
Amazingly, the source of these books was kept secret until the 1960s when a dogged researcher tracked the information down, says Pam Matthias Peterson in her "Marblehead, Myths, Legends and Lore."
An unusual Gregory bequest established a fund used to buy carriages for any twins who might be lucky enough to be born in Marblehead.
Other Gregory contributions were of a service or literary nature. He wrote poems and an article on Indian relics for the Essex Antiquarian, the latter based on his personal collection of more than 2,000 items found in Marblehead. He also wrote for horticultural magazines, and served at various times as Marblehead selectman, state senator and vice president of the Essex County Agricultural Society.
• • •
Jim McAllister of Salem writes a biweekly column on the history of the North Shore. Contact him at culturecorner@gmail.com
Source: www.salemnews.com
The Hunts Post Wines of the Week - Hunts Post
Wine
Monday, June 4, 2012
9:17 AM
The Hunts Post Wines of the Week
Wines of the Week
Morrisons The Best range Chilean Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 2010/11 (both reduced to £5.99 until June 10). Two very drinkable, flavoursome, lightly oaked wines (with deceptive 13.5 per cent alcohol). Citrus led, melon Chardonnay plus fresh raspberry, cherry fruited Pinot. Both went down well with Fenstanton Family Butchers roast Norfolk chicken.
Hardy’s VR Chardonnay, Shiraz and Rose 2011, Australia (each reduced to £4 when any 3 for £12 at Sainsbury’s until June 12). Three straightforward, consistently easy drinking, fruity Aussies. Rich, tropical, yet dry, melon and peach Chardonnay plus full bodied, smooth blackberry and plum, slightly peppery Shiraz. Then a refreshing, red berry fruited rose.
Whites, Reds & Rose
Co-operative Explorer’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011, New Zealand (reduced to £6.99 until June 12). Richer than usual Sauvignon with citrus, gooseberry and passion fruit emerging.
Stork’s Landing Fernao Pires Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Shiraz 2011/10, Portugal (better than half price, £4.45 at selected Co-ops). two full bodied, fruity blends. Ripe orchard fruit balanced by crisp, refreshing citrus. Plus a smooth, lightly spicy Red with raspberry and forest fruit aromas and flavours.
Kumala Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay/Semillon and Pinotage Rose 2011, South Africa (both half price, £4.99 at Tesco while stocks last). Appealing, unusual white blend with rich tropical aromas and flavours, nicely balanced by good acidity, followed by a tasty rose with ripe strawberry and melon notes, but refreshing too.
Plantagenet Samson’s Range Sauvignon Semillon and Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011/9, Australia (both reduced to £7.49 at Waitrose until June 26). Crisp, clean, grassy blend with lasting citrus, grapefruit flavours. Then a spicy, peppery, powerful (14 per cent alcohol) berry fruited Red - made for hearty meat stews.
Sparklers
Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Brut NV Champagne (One third off to £19.99 at Sainsbury’s until June 12). Fresh and flavoursome with zesty lemon flavours and biscuity undertones.
Cave de Lugny Sparkling Burgundy Blanc de Blancs NV, France (reduced to £8.99 at Waitrose until June 26). Chardonnay based sparkler, rich and biscuity, gentle fizz, slightly creamy yet fresh and citrussy.
Source: www.huntspost.co.uk
Essex v Gloucestershire - Clydesdale Bank 40 - Group A - Live Score and Update - Bettor.com
Essex v Gloucestershire - Clydesdale Bank 40 - Group A - Live Score and Update
Gloucestershire 224/5 (40/40 ov) v Essex 225/2 (36.5/40 ov) - Essex won by 8 wickets (with 19 balls remaining)
On Monday, June 04, 2012, Essex won their Group A match against Gloucestershire by eight wickets in the ongoing Clydesdale Bank 40 tournament at County Ground, Chelmsford, thanks to an enormous innings of 120 runs jabbed by RS Bopara, who steered his side to sensational triumph as Essex chased a mammoth tally of 225 runs in 40 overs.
After winning the toss, Essex put Gloucestershire into batting in order to restrict them on a low total.
Gloucestershire had the worst possible start to their innings when they lost their first wicket with only a run on the board as opener WRS Gidman had his stumps destroyed by GR Napier before he could open his account.
Opener HJH Marshall and number-three batsman BAC Howell then took charge as the duo clobbered the bowlers out of town with a hint of remorse.
Finally after conceding 41 runs, Essex made a comeback in the match by dismissing Marshall, who had his stumps obliterated by TS Mills after playing an innings of 24 runs.
Howell was the third wicket to fall as he departed after scoring 28 runs, leaving his team standing on a total of 69 runs.
In the later part of the innings, KS Williamson and IA Cockbain hammered stinging knocks of 77 and 52 to leave the bowling side flabbergasted as they belted some of the finest cricketing shots, to give their fans something to cheer about.
The side consequently ended their innings with a massive total and seemed well set to secure an impressive win.
Their road to victory seemed ever so near when they dismissed Essex opener ML Pettini on the third delivery of the innings without a run on the board.
However, this was all the glory they were going to get as Bopara and T Westley stood defiant like two stubborn kids refusing to budge.
While Player of the Match, Bopara, stayed unbeaten, Westley lost his wicket after scoring a knock of 82 runs which was enough for the team to win the match as Essex reached the required target in 36.5 overs.
Source: blogs.bettor.com
Essex Wildlife Trust Events June to December 2012 - AboutMyArea
Essex Wildlife Trust Events June to December 2012
Maldon & South Woodham Ferrers Local Group Events, 2012
Maldon & South Woodham Ferrers Local Group
Mike Sandison 01621 741351
Indoor meetings are held at Friends Meeting House, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD. Butt Lane car park is opposite where there is ample free parking. For further information, where no event contact given, call Phil Luke on 01621 853969 or email phil@boxlodge.demon.co.uk
Maldon & South Woodham Ferrers Local Group Events, May - December 2012
Sun 10th June VISIT TO CHIGBOROUGH LAKES RESERVE
A walk with the warden around this worked-out gravel pit. Meet in reserve car park. 10.00am - 12.00 noon.
Friday 20th July GLOW WORM WALK
Our regular visit to Stow Maries reserve to see these amazing creatures. Meet at 8.30pm in Smythe Hall Car Park, Church Lane, Stow Maries. Suggested donation Adults £2, Children £1. Please phone 01621 740687 to book a place. Walk length 1 mile (1.5km), estimated finish time 11.00pm.
Sunday 5th August BLUE HOUSE FARM OPEN DAY
The annual nature reserve open day, with lots of activities, homemade cakes, guided walks, tractor trailer rides and fun for the kids. Open from 12.00 until 5.00pm at North Fambridge CM3 6GU.
£2 donation for parking - free entry if you come on foot (or by train).
Sat 11th Aug HISTORY WALK AT TOLLESBURY WICK
Join us to view the evidence of over 2000 years of the history of Tollesbury Wick and the surrounding coast. Meeting place advised when booking. Adults £2, Children £1. 10.00-1.00 pm, c. 2 miles walking. Please phone 01621 741351 to book a place and obtain further details
Wed 12 Sep WOOD-PASTURE IN EPPING FOREST: A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP.
Illustrated talk by Jeremy Dagley, Epping Forest Conservation Manager, on the rise and fall of this habitat at Epping and attempts at restoration, charting the relationship between people and wildlife through common rights of land use. It looks at why Wood-pasture is a special, wildlife-rich habitat and examines how it fell out of fashion and declined with the end of pollarding and grazing. 8.00 - 10.00pm, £1.50 donation.
Wed 10 Oct WARLEY PLACE PAST AND PRESENT
Illustrated talk in 2 parts: by Thelma Wilson on the history of Warley Place, particularly the famous gardener Ellen Willmott, illustrated with black and white historic photographs and maps; then Olive Baldwin on the present-day reserve. 8.00 - 10.00pm. £1.50 donation.
Wed 14 Nov AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES
Illustrated talk by Ray Cranfield. 8.00 - 10.00pm, £1.50 donation.
Wed 12 Dec WHALES & DOLPHINS
Illustrated talk by Emma Webb. 8.00 - 10.00. £1.50 donation.
Indoor meetings are held at Friends Meeting House, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD. Butt Lane car park is opposite where there is ample free parking. For further information, where no event contact given, call Phil Luke on 01621 853969 or email phil@boxlodge.demon.co.uk
The Friends Meeting House (CM9 5HD) is opposite the entrance to Butt Lane car park, where there is ample free parking. For further information where no contact details given, phone Phil Luke on 01621 853969 or phil@boxlodge.demon.co.uk
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Indoor meetings are held at Friends Meeting House, Butt Lane, Maldon, CM9 5HD. Butt Lane car park is opposite where there is ample free parking. For further information, where no event contact given, call Phil Luke on 01621 853969 or email phil@boxlodge.demon.co.uk
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Source: www.aboutmyarea.co.uk
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