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British Columbia, Canada

Well the season seems to be winding down so I thought now would be a good time to give thanks to the late Howard Dill for the 30+ years he spent creating the Atlantic Giant pumpkin that we grow today. Every pumpkin over 500 lbs this year had its origins in Howard's pumpkin patch.

10/21/2014 1:23:41 PM

Colorado

Dont forget the gancarz brothers,ray waterman ,bob ford etc./ not just Howard had something to do with the genetics. Also Len stellflug,alan nesbit- just saying

10/21/2014 3:06:48 PM

South Hero, VT

Howard Dill was the MAN!

10/21/2014 7:53:56 PM

Nova Scotia

Thank you for your very nice post of Dad.Yes he did work hard with his giant pumpkins back then and it was his sheer determination to grow a pumpkin bigger and better.I honestly can not imagine what he would think or say about all the astounding weights we all see today? I am still in awe-struck of all the big ones this season...just mind boggling.However on behalf of the Dill Family you have to give credit where credit is due.Yes Gancarz,Ford,Waterman,Stellplug,Nesbitt,etc. sure did alot to get us where we are today and they should be highly commended.Thank-you.Also there is Edgar Van Wyck,Richard Wright,Coon Brothers and Ralph Dreisbach from Ohio.Hugh Wiberg from Mass.and Tom Norlin from Iowa.And Pete and Cindi what's the big idea growing one over 1,900 lbs?

Danny Dill

10/21/2014 9:13:10 PM

Bethlehem CT

I can remember as a kid, I was mesmerized when I saw the Gurney's seed catalog and there was a picture of Howard in his pumpkin patch next to a huuuuuuge orange pumpkin. 30 years later I still feel that same feeling when I go to a weigh off and see all those massive pumpkins. It just makes me happy! What else can I say.

10/21/2014 10:08:23 PM

Whidbey Island

12 years ago I went to Nova Scotia and met Howard. I went to his place and he wandered out of his house and gave me the grand tour. One nice fellow willing to talk to an amateur grower from across the continent.

10/21/2014 10:45:30 PM

Colorado

Hi Danny,About 15 years ago i called the Dills without factoring in the 3 hr. time difference. Howard came to the phone and explained(very nicely) what time of the day it was. I called him a day or so later and we had a nice pumpkin theory conversation. He came across as a very down to earth nice man.

10/22/2014 12:52:20 AM

Rhode Island

the dill family tree is full and plentiful for sure. danny and diana have done well keeping their fathers business flurishing
no one worth anything in this hobby will ever forget our founding fathers.
yes there were many growers early on that contributed to this great hobby. ---- but there will always be only one howard dill.
pap

10/22/2014 7:08:25 AM

Going Green

What a wonderful tribute to Howard from Pap Wallace. Two great men who have been instrumental in growing the competition of Growing Giant Pumpkins. We owe you both so much.

10/22/2014 5:08:18 PM

So. Maine

Right On Pap , Right On !

10/22/2014 8:08:59 PM

ordinary,VA

absolutely pap..

10/23/2014 3:35:52 PM