Comstock, Ferre & Company

Comstock Ferre was started in 1820 by James Lockwood Belden under the name Wethersfield Seed Company. It was taken over and expanded by Franklin Comstock and his son, William. In 1853, it incorporated as Comstock, Ferre & Co. after Henry Ferre became partners with William Comstock in 1845. The company sold seeds to both retail and wholesale consumers. William Comstock designed the colorful seed packets for which the company became known. The business eventually expanded beyond selling seeds, offering plants and gardening supplies, tools and accessories.