Thanksgiving is almost here, and I've finally finished readying my yard for winter 
: I raked leaves, put away the grill, and pulled out the remnants of my garden – like my tomato plants.
I had been feasting off homegrown tomatoes all summer, making salsas and salads and eating them straight from the plant. And while some folks can tomatoes come fall, that's something I've never done. My husband is decidedly anti-canned produce. I tell him he never would have survived 100 years ago.
But it turns out that is not entirely true.
Wells Fargo was shipping fresh produce around the country more than 100 years ago. As the first express company to begin using refrigerated railroad cars, Wells Fargo was soon shipping crops like tomatoes, peaches, and oranges across the country. In 1901, one grower from Hayward, California, was shipping asparagus, cherries, currants, gooseberries, and strawberry rhubarb to many locations including Salt Lake City, Utah, Boston, Massachusetts, and St. Paul, Minnesota.
By 1913, 150 Wells Fargo refrigerator cars were speeding delicate western fruits and vegetables to eastern consuming cities. Most of the produce originated in California but later, Wells Fargo shipped fruits and vegetables (like tomatoes!) from Mexico across the United States.
So, while I am enjoying my homemade tabouli and margarita pizza this winter, I will remember Wells Fargo's refrigerated rail cars and be thankful I am not limited to eating canned green beans.
Megan, you have elevated my confidence in Wells Fargo far beyond what i thought would be the absolute limits in it's field by reminding me that our bank not only handles the "green stuff", but the whole time it has had the capability of seeing to it that the green stuff remains organic. I wouldn't have believed there was once a Wells Fargo tomatoes logo until i saw it for myself. Thank you.