Chester Worley, my Great-Grandfather, began Worley's Nurseries in 1913 when he planted his first peach seeds in Latimore Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania. From that day on, Worley's Nurseries grew until it was one of the largest nurseries east of the Mississippi. Over the years, several pictures of the nursery were taken and numerous price guides and advertising materials were produced. These materials will help trace the history of the nursery from its beginnings until the present day.
Chester B. Worley, pictured here with his wife Herma Masemer, was the founder of Worley's Nurseries. He began the nursery in 1913, at the age of 23, when he planted his first peach seeds, marking the beginning of his new business. For nearly 70 years he would run the business, until his passing in 1981.
Advertising, as in any business, was a key part in ensuring continuing sales of nursery stock. Pamphlets, brochures, and price guides were produced year after year with up-to-date prices, photographs of the nursery in operation, and messages from the proprietor himself, Chester B. Worley.
Chester B. Worley founded Worley's Nurseries and operated the business for nearly 70 years. Contained within this gallery are his photographs as proprietor of the nursery.
Originally known as the Plainfield Nurseries, the name "Worley's Nurseries" was not used until sometime after the business was already well-established. The name 'Plainfield' had been used to specify a location just east of the nursery and this association helped develop the business into a well-known and ever-expanding operation.
Advertising played a central role in generating business for the nursery. Here you can find paper tablets that had been handed out as promotional materials. They came in several colors and each is displayed here.
A stamp used during the course of business.