Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
Q2022.21.31Scope and Content
A three piece assembly of documents. A copy of a letter, on onion skin paper, from Wilbur P. McDonald, M. D. to Mr. W. B. Martin, Extension Specialist in Agriculture, Missouri University, Columbia, Mo., dated April 2, 1962. The word COPY in red ink in down the left side of the page. There is an accompanying return letter from Mr. W. R. Martin, Extension Horticulturist, dated April 13, 1962 replying to Dr. McDonald's request. It is on letterhead from the 'Cooperative Extension Service Extension Division, University of Missouri'. Attached is a spreadsheet of the variety of white and red wines and pertinent information.Context
Dear Sir:
For the past seven years I have been interested in viticulture and viniculture here in northwest Missouri and my efforts so far have not been very rewarding. During this time I have had plantings of Yates, Seneca, Ontario, Fredonia, Golden Muscat, Ruby, and the French Hybrids Seyve-Villard 5-276, Baco #1, Seibel 9110, Seibel, 10868 and Seibel 1000.
As I did not have an adequate place or space for a vineyard, the above plantings were made along a fence row. . . . The French Hybrids that have survived and are doing well are the Baco #1 and the Seibel 10868. . . . Of the American grapes only the Fredonia and the Ontario are doing well.
Recently some land suitable for a vineyard was acquired and I am having it terraced at the present time. . . . To this end could you give me any information as to the type of grape best suited and where such grape vines could be obtained. . . . I can obtain Buffalo vined from New York Fruit Testing Corp. Ass'n. of which I am a member and I have some cuttings from the Delicatessen.
The white grapes I am particularly interested in are the Dunkirk, if I can obtain it; or the Delaware; the Elvira, which I understand used to be grown somewhere in this area; the Iona; the Missouri Riesling, which was grown around Herman, Mo; the Hector; Catawba; the Augustina; or the Brocton.
I would appreciate any information you could furnish on this subject, particularly as to the wine qualities from the above grapes when grown in Missouri.
Sincerely,
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Dear Dr. McDonald:
No doubt Victor Carothers transferred to you some information on the availability of Missouri Riesling plans or cuttings I sent him for you some time ago.
Since receiving your letter, I recall that some twenty-five years ago, I requested some information about the relative wine values of American grapes from Paul Garrett, . . . No doubt, he was at that time best qualified . . . He was then perhaps eighty years of age.
I am unable to locate his answer. . . . However, on the basis of his comments, I prepared at that time the enclosed mimeographed sheet which fairly accurately listed the varieties he mentioned . . . I recall I sent him a copy and he approved it, . . . . he rather apologetically placed Missouri Riesling No. 8, but said he did so because his information on that variety was very limited . . . He was quite positive about his No. 1 and 2 placings on both the white and red lists. . . . he stated the probable yield of Iona would be so low it would never be grown commercially, . . . if he had more information on Missouri Riesling, it would be No. 3 or 4. . . .
The Fruit Station at Mountain Grove probably has cuttings of all of these varieties available if requested during the fall or early winter months. Norton . . . and Cynthiana are most difficult to root from cuttings. . . . they are so similar as to be practically identical, although history records them of separate origins. I doubt anyone can accurately distinguish between the two.
I trust you will find the above remarks and the enclosed list interesting.
Sincerely yours,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Some American Varieties of Grapes Listed as to Relative Value for Wine Making as Suggested by Paul Garrett, together with Yield and Blooming Record Taken From Circular 27, Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station, Mountain Grove, Missouri.
FOR WHITE WINES
1. Iona
2. Catawba
3. Delaware
4. Niagara
5. Empire State
6. Diana
7. Dutchess
8. Riesling
9. Campbell
10. Elvira
FOR RED WINES
1. Norton
2. Cynthiana
3. Ives
4. Clinton
5. Eumalin
6. Lindley
7. Concord
*Fredonia promising but not rated yet.Lexicon
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Dimension Notes
8.5" x 11"
