1929 IRIS LOVER'S CATALOGClick Picture to Enlarge
COVER: The cover of the catalog is of thick cardstock, with detailed texturing. The cover is reminiscent of a hardcover novel: An Iris Lover's Catalog with Masterlist for 1929 by F. X. Schreiner. This catalog is small compared to the modern Schreiner catalogs of today: 10.25" long X 7.375" wide. The only decorative nature of the catalog was the border motif above and below the title. What is unique about this particular cover is actually on the reverse side. F. X. Schreiner put a promotional advertisement for the American Iris Society (only 9 years old at the time), and offered a choice of one of 7 Iris collections and a membership to the AIS for only $5.00 ($3.00 for AIS Membership and $2.00 for the Iris). This offer was only valid to customers who have never been a part of AIS or former members of the soceity for the past two years.
ABOUT: This is the second edition of the Schreiner's Iris Lover's Catalog. The early Schreiner's Iris Lover's Catalogs were very much different than todays. While Cooley's Iris had long established color photographs in their catalogs with brief descriptions. Schreiner's was about presenting Irises that were better performers, than looks.
This catalog contained no photographs. As a matter of fact, it reads more like a book, than a catalog. The top feature was the 100 Best Iris in which cultivars (tall bearded only) were ranked. They were sub-grouped into twelve color categories.
I have accumulated over 300 varieties to bloom for the first time this year with me and these are mostly the novelites introduced from 1925 to 1928. As almost by compensation they have wintered finely and barring any belated frosts this year will be a record breaker on Iris bloom.
This year's edition is compiled under great difficulties, with many interruptions, as this avocation can only be carried on during the spare time after business hours with many competing interests. Combining this with lack of literary training to write entertainingly I am not much at book-making. My only excuse is a great enthusiasm for the cause and a desire to pass on what I have learned; otherwise a plain price list would do to get orders.
The guiding principle of this catalog remains to present the whole of the Iris situation in its yearly perspective without stressing unduly the new expensive novelties, and also with putting equal emphasis on the fine, good, and indifferent. It is so necessary to incorporate the introductions of the last three years in any discussion, that I can make little progress until they have bloomed.
For the benefit of those not having my 1928 catalog announcing the proposed new treatment of the Iris situation, I have reprinted the main points herewith. I wish to thank all my friends and customers for the splendid reception given this pioneering effort and assure them that I will try to have a rare treat for another season. F. X. Schreiner
St. Paul, Minn., May 1, 1929. IRISES INTRODUCED:
Unknown, as introduction dates were not included with varieties. Back to Catalogs