A small envelope, a striking lithograph, a vanished Illinois seed store — this is the quiet poetry of agricultural ephemera at its best.
The Yellow Globe Turnip is rendered in bold color on this unused seed packet from the Dodson Seed Store of Danville, Illinois — printed by the legendary Stecher-Traung Lithograph Company of Rochester, New York. Dodson was a rare regional gem: the only store in their area to package their own seed, and one that also carried fine china, vases, and quality goods far beyond the dime store offerings of the day. The store closed in the 1970s, and packets like this one simply don't surface often.
A wonderful piece for seed packet collectors, vintage ephemera lovers, or anyone who appreciates the art of American lithography. Display it solo in a small frame, rotate it seasonally with other botanicals, or give it as an unexpected and charming gift.
Maker: Dodson Seed Store, Danville, Illinois
Printer: Stecher-Traung Lithograph, Rochester, NY
Era: 1936–1940s
Condition: New Old Stock — never filled; slight age yellowing consistent with era
