Minnetrista Blog

Four Types of Ferns You Can Add To Your Garden

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:00:00 -0400

Did you know that some types of ferns can be red, purple, or even copper in color? Or that some ferns spread rapidly, some gradually, and some don’t spread at all?

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Jump Start Your Canning Season With Some Tasty Freezer Jam!

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:00:00 -0400

If you are getting prepared for the preservation season once again, or if you are just now entering into the world of canning for the first time, freezer jam is a great start to any season!

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The Wives

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:00:00 -0400

Earlier, I introduced the Ball brothers, their parents, and their sisters. This month, we’ll meet the wives.

William was the first brother to marry. His bride, Emma Wood, was born in Massachusetts, graduated from Concord Ladies Seminary, and then moved to Buffalo, New York, where she met William. In Muncie, she was active with the county humane society and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her obituary noted that “She was one of those kindly, generous people who derived their chief satisfaction in helping others….”

Port Glass Company of Muncie

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The next time you drive by Westside Park in Muncie, look to the north as you pass Hutchison Avenue. One hundred years ago, you wouldn’t have seen houses, trees or a nursing home. Instead, you would have seen Port Glass Works, a large operating glass factory, where hundreds of workers made fruit jars by hand...

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Caution: Some plants to avoid buying for your home garden

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 -0400

It’s time to stop by your favorite garden retailers to pick up some plants for your summer garden. Before doing so, here are some plants you should avoid or at least use with caution.

Pros and Cons of the Ball FreshTECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

See the Ball FreshTECH Automatic Jam and Jelly Maker at work making a batch of pepper jelly!

The Ball Brothers Go into Business

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

As the five Ball brothers – Lucius L., William C., Edmund B., Frank C., and George A. – grew to adulthood in Canandaigua, New York, their uncle George Harvey Ball watched for business opportunities in nearby Buffalo. Uncle George, brother of Lucius Styles Ball, was a pastor of a Baptist church in Buffalo. In 1878, the first venture that he recommended was making wooden containers to pack fish in. Frank and Edmund were the principles in this endeavor. This venture ended when their entire product was destroyed in a fire. The brothers returned to Canandaigua...

Mason Jars are Fruit Jars, but not all Fruit Jars are Mason Jars

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

Several years ago, Minnetrista’s former curator of business and industrial history, Dick Cole, asked me if I knew what made a Mason jar a Mason jar. He was thoroughly surprised when I was able to tell him, because he knew that my main interest in our large collection of jars is the stories that they can tell. I am not an expert on closures and markings, although I’ve certainly learned a lot in my time at Minnetrista. I also know that I can call on Dick to answer my questions, because he loves to share his knowledge of fruit jars. Anyway, read on and you’ll know why Mason jars are fruit jars, but not all fruit jars are Mason jars...

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Garden Update: April Flowers in Oakhurst

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 -0400

Oakhurst is my favorite spot to enjoy spring flowers here at Minnetrista. There are lots of different flowering plants that provide beauty throughout the whole season. The first acts of the spring show—winter aconite and snowdrops—are already fading, with Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) and Glory of the Snow (Chinodoxa luciliae) coming on next...

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Three Steps To Get Prepared for the Canning Season

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:30:00 -0400

Canning season is fast approaching! Have you looked in your canned good cabinet, your cellar, or on your shelves to find those few remaining jars from last year? Perhaps you’ve noticed a dwindling number of total jars. If you are anything like me, and I suspect many of you are, you may have some pickles, tomatoes, jellies, and applesauce left. You may also notice that your shelf of empty jars has fewer occupants than in the past. You might be wondering if it’s time to get a new canning rack or other basic supplies. It is time to think about what foods you want to can this year and a good time check all of your supplies to make sure you are ready for the canning season...

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