Henderson County Historical Society

Henderson County Historical Society's Artifact of the Week

This week’s Artifact of the Week is a continuation of last week's article on ads from Henderson County, Illinois seed corn dealers, from the 1930’s, displayed in the agricultural building at the Henderson County Museum.

The ad from E.G. Lewis Seed Company in Media reads, “How We May Help You.  Our supply of early selected hung seed corn will not be sufficient to supply our trade this year.  There is a demand for cheap seed corn that will germinate 95 percent or better.  If you have this quality of seed, and can prepare it right on your own farm, we will help you find a market.  The seed must be Henderson County grown.”

W. Arthur Riley’s ad listed both Stronghurst and Raritan as places of business and reads, “MORE FARMERS PLANT DEKALB than any other HYBRID CORN.”

And last, but not least, farmers could also get Funk’s G seeds from E.A. Houtchens of Raritan. 

Fact:  In the worst years of the Depression (1931-1933), some farmers reported receiving only 5 to 10 cents a bushel.