Yes, we have bananas!

HOOPES

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/4/2006 at 09:08:38

"Jefferson County Republican", Aug. 12, 1897, Pg. 5, Col. 4

Monday afternoon we went down to see E. D. HOOPES' banana tree which is about 17 ft. in height to the tip of the top lead and is about four years old. It is now sending out its first invoice of bananas. The butt or stalk has about 25 bananas out now. It is certainly a curiosity to anyone who never saw one. He showed us three or four other trees which are in fine shape. The top leaf on one of them measured 20 inches wide and 5 ft. long. The top leaf on the old one was much longer. Mr. HOOPES will have to put an addition to his bay window or build a green house.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.