Nursery Catalogs, 1857-1927

A Collection of Illinois and Iowa Nursery Catalogs and Price Lists: 1857 to 1927

This informal compilation of nursery catalogs came about as a direct result of the interest generated by the Historic Landscaping Workshop. Speaker Daryl Watson provided several and others were gathered. In all, twelve separate nursery catalogs were compiled, dating from 1857 to 1927. The catalogs are all from nurseries in Illinois and Iowa, providing a regional flavor for historic plant sources. Peruse these catalogs to see varieties of vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental trees, annuals, perennials, shrubs, evergreens, vines, roses and more that were popular generations ago. You will be amazed at the diversity and the detail!
Nursery Catalog Cover
  • Catalogs: 12 (320 pages)
  • Year Compiled: 1992
  • .PDF Version: Not available
  • Reference Availability: Rock Island Public Library, Rock Island City Hall, Augustana College Library, Rock Island County Historical Society Library
  • Cost: 25 cents per page (Rock Island Planning & Redevelopment Division)