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H.G. Hastings Company Photographs

 Collection
Collection number: ahc.VIS173

Scope and Contents of the Records

This collection contains photographic prints of crops grown from H. G. Hastings Company seeds. In addition, the collection includes one image of H. G. Hastings, one photograph of a Hastings’ Seed store in Atlanta, and one photograph of students at the Georgia State College of Agriculture, later part of the University of Georgia, in Athens.

Dates

  • 1912-1953, undated

Creator

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright law. (Title 17, U.S. Code) Permission for use must be cleared through the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. Licensing agreement may be required.

Administrative/Biographical History

In 1889 in Interlachen, Florida, Harry George Hastings (1869-1962) established the H. G. Hastings Company, a mail-order business specializing in garden and field seeds as well as nursery stock. The business aided both farmers and home gardeners. By the mid-1890s, the company began producing a monthly newspaper instructing farmers on the best methods of plant cultivation, which would eventually evolve into The Southern Ruralist. In 1899, the company moved to Atlanta, a more centralized distribution point for its mail-order operation. In 1919, the company purchased 1500 acres of land near Lovejoy, Georgia in Clayton County to be used as its seed and nursery stock plantation.

In 1922, upon graduating from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Agriculture, Donald M. Hastings (1901-1991), H. G.’s son, joined the firm. In 1942, he succeeded his father as president of the operation. During 1948, he served as president of the Southern Nurserymen’s Association.

Although H. G. Hastings Company originally focused on its mail-order business, the company shifted its attention to the wholesale and retail nursery business, opening one of the first garden centers in the South in 1955. Expanding beyond the customary sale of seeds and plants, this new establishment also offered all manner of garden supplies, including tools and pots. The company continued under the leadership of Donald Hastings’ son, Donald M. Hastings, Jr. (1929- ), until the family business was sold in 1976. The company continues to operate under the Hastings name.

Extent

8 image(s)

Language

English

Arrangement of the Papers

This collection is arranged alphabetically according to titles supplied by staff.

Acquisition Information

Gifts of Gifts of Donald M. Hastings, Jr. and Chris Hastings, 2002 (CGL 2002.04)

Related Materials

Hastings Family Papers, MSS 752; Hastings Family Photographs, VIS 174, Cherokee Garden Library, Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center

General Physical Description note

8 black and white photographic prints (1 folder)

Processing Information

Collection processed in 2008.

Title
H. G. Hastings Company Photographs, 1912-1953, undatedahc.VIS 173
Author
Inventory prepared by Erica Danylchak
Date
December 2009
Description rules
Finding Aid Prepared According To Dacs
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Kenan Research Center at Atlanta History Center Repository

Contact:
130 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta GA 30305
404-814-4040