Goodnow Interpretive Garden

A well-known educator and abolitionist, Isaac Goodnow was born on January 17, 1814, in Whitingham, Vermont. A bright student, Goodnow became a professor of natural sciences in 1848. As debate raged through the country about the future of slavery, Goodnow and his wife Ellen (Denison) were inspired to move to the Kansas Territory in 1855 with the New England Emigrant Aid Company. Goodnow kept record of many of his daily activities in handwritten diaries which we are fortunate to have access to.

In his diaries, Isaac refers to 62 fruits and vegetables that he grew in his garden. However, he seldom mentions specific varieties.

This project, a historic interpretive garden, was launched in the spring of 2023 with the purpose of educating on the practices of gardening in the 1850s-1880s in this region of Kansas. We have chosen to grow varieties of plants that were common in the New England states in the early to mid-19th century due to the likelihood that Isaac may have brough practices and varieties with him from his home on the east coast.

Using period agricultural publications such as The Country Gentleman, The American Cultivator, and The Illustrated Annual Register of Rural Affairs, we know what seeds, plants, tools, and practices were available and recommended at this time for both the gardener and farmer.

Currently growing in the historic Goodnow Interpretive Garden during the summer/fall of 2023 are: Stowell’s Evergreen Sweet Corn (1840s variety), Cushaw Squash (native North American winter squash), New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin (1863 variety), Anne Arundel Muskmelon (1730s variety from Maryland), Rose Finn Apple Potatoes (1840s variety), Cherokee Purple Tomato (pre-1890s), Wren’s Egg or Speckled Cranberry Egg Bean (heirloom varieties of this era), and the herbs: parsley, dill, and sage.

The garden is managed by staff of the Riley County Historical Museum and supported by a group of dedicated volunteers. If you have an interest in volunteering to help with the garden or simply would like to learn more about our interpretive programs, please contact us below.