Syringa

Syringa vulgaris

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) Blossoms, Stems and some leaves, attached. From The Watson House, Hartford Village Vermont. Dried. Collected summer 1999.

fl.1761.006.dr

Through the 19th century, Watson was partners with French in a fork factory in Hartford Village. In small farms (pre-automation) forks found regular use in the manipulation of both hay and manure. The three story, mansard-roofed Watson house, called “Overlook” was one of the most elegant in the county. It can be seen in the Paul Sample painting (see reproduction __) “Remember Now The Days Of Thy Youth,” 1951, in which it, with its commodious porch, can be seen at the center right. Collection Hood Museum, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire

By the time of Sample’s painting this residence had been converted into rent-subsidized apartments for the elderly.

Species Overview

Syringa vulgaris (Lilac or Common Lilac) is a species of Syringa in the olive family Oleaceae, native to the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, where it grows on rocky hills.

References

• Tucker, History of Hartford, Vermont, 1889