Re: TB, HYB, HIST mystery of my grandfather

Like Donald Eaves, I too loved this story.  I also wish your grandfather had
kept a journal....which reminds me about my own obligation to my
grandchildren....

During the 1950's the very first really "orange" irises were beginning to
emerge.  The prominant breeders who did name, advertise and sell their
creations included Orville Fay and his group near Chicago, including Brother
Charles Rekamp, whose TECHNY CHIMES, dating from 1955, was described as a
"clear yellow self, orange beard."

In my memory it was richer in color than "clear yellow."  In our calcium rich,
higher altitude soils in the west, irises of this type often took on richer
colors than their official descriptions, so my memory of the variety may not
be so far into fantasy land.  TECHNY CHIMES figures in many pedigrees of
irises in the apricot, peach and orange range.

In the west among the Utah breeders the first strongly apricot-toward-orange
toned irises were coming from breeders associated with Tell Muhlestein who had
named and introduced several significant breeders.  Melba Hamblen was the most
significant of those close to Tell, with her introduction of ORANGE PARADE in
1958.

In Idaho, the key breeder of orange irises was Melvina Suiter, then near
Caldwell, Idaho.  Her ORANGE FRILLS dates from 1954, and ORANGE CRUSH,
registered in 1957 was introduced two years later in 1959.

All of these mentioned figure strongly in all lines of orange-iris breeding
subsequent to their time.

I only wish your grandfather's seedling had been among those circulated, as it
might well have contributed to the work in progress.  You have a family
treasure!

Those early "orange" irises often did have rather striking colors, but in
subsequent generations others have improved upon them to an astounding
degree.

You have added much pleasure to our day, and I want to express my gratitude
for your writing and sharing this family story.

Neil Mogensen  z 7 western NC mountains (but in SW Idaho for more than half my
accumulated years).

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