Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - February 27, 1983

By Patricia Engelland

Vigo County Historical Society

Davis Gardens: A valley memory

An item does not have to be a century old to be a treasure in the collection of the Vigo County Historical Society. It is important to keep the collection up to date.

The framed signs shown above are mementoes from Davis Gardens, a local business which was an important part of the Wabash Valley economy for over 60 years - an enterprise to be remembered. The cucumber sign is dated about 1920 and the tomato sign, 1930.

Carol Reisner, Rosedale, one of the contractors responsible for the demolition of the greenhouses, recently gave these items to the Society. He used glass and cypress wood rafters from the greenhouses to make the frames.

Reisner states, "Davis Gardens Greenhouses in Terre Haute, Indiana were begun in 1914 when the first two houses were built. When they were completed in 1929, they included 38 houses containing 35 acres of glass.

"World fanous for many years as the largest greenhouse operation in the world, they specialized in growing cucumbers, Bibb letuce, and tomatoes. Their produce was marketed coast to coast, and used in many fashionable establishments, including the White House."

O. Keith Owen Sr. was founder of the plant. He was succeeded by his son, O. Keith Owen, Jr. Located just east of South Seventh Street, between I-70 and Davis Avenue, the plant ceased operations in 1974. The smokestacks, neighborhood landmarks for many years, were demolished in 1979. The location is now the site of Westminster retirement community.

These signs are now on display with the agricultural implements of the past in the Guy Stantz Room of the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 South Sixth Street. Doors will be open for the 1983 season March 1. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday.