From Maine to Main Course:

John Withee, the Bean Man

An older John Withee in a plaid shirt shelling dried beans — Photograph of John Withee as he is shelling dried beans in his home in Lynnfield, Massachusetts, circa 1980.

Sixty years ago, an adventurer set out on an odd journey: to find the colorful and tasty heirloom bean varieties he remembered eating as a child. What started as a part-time retirement hobby became a national legacy that lives on today in gardens across America.

John Withee (1910-1993) was an adventurer, a photographer, a dedicated family man, and of course, a bean collector. He dedicated nearly two decades of his life to curating one of the largest personal collections of garden beans in the United States.

He became a legend by championing bean biodiversity and seeking to protect heirloom beans from extinction. He organized like-minded seed savers and united a community of passionate gardeners and bean aficionados under his organization, the Wanigan Associates.

John amassed a collection of 1,186 garden bean varieties, and he donated samples of all 1,186 varieties to Seed Savers Exchange in 1981.

Presented by Seed Savers Exchange and funded in part by a grant from the 1772 Foundation.

The Bean Man

Who was John Withee? Read the story of John Withee, from his childhood in Maine, to his adventures, storied career, and bean collection.

An older man poses next to a large wooden case displaying hundreds of different bean varieties

The Life and Legacy of the Bean Man

Painted Jewels

Take a closer look at some of the varieties in John Withee's bean collection.

Oblong white and red speckled beans clustered on a white surface

Painted Jewels: The Bean Collection of John Withee

Bean There, Done That

From Washington to Massachusetts, John Withee’s collection is being honored and protected by the next generation of seed savers who carry on his legacy of growing and sharing heirloom beans. Here you can follow the plight of just a few of the varieties in the John Withee bean collection.

A collage of old photos of people and beans

Bean There, Done That: The Living Legacy of the Withee Collection

Shop the John Withee Bean Collection

Seed Savers Exchange has introduced several varieties from John’s collection to the catalog, and currently has three offerings. Keep reading to learn more!

‘Good Mother Stallard’ Bean

Named for Carrie Belle Stallard of Wise County, Virginia, this bean dates to at least the 1930s. This very productive pole bean is maroon splashed with white and has a wonderful rich and meaty flavor, great for soups. Get seeds here!

The ‘Good Mother Stallard’ bean is also a featured variety in our limited-edition 50th Anniversary Seed Collection. Learn more about the 50th Anniversary collection here.

‘Turkey Craw’ Bean

Some brown and white speckled beans and two dried, open bean pods inside a wooden bowl — Shop ‘Turkey Craw’ bean seeds

Collected in regions of Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, this variety’s original seed is reported to have been found in a wild turkey’s craw. As they mature, the stringless 6″ pods enclose attractive, brown seeds with tan flecks and brown eye rings. Used as a snap bean or a dry bean; excellent canned or frozen. Get seeds here!

‘Kelvedon Marvel’ Runner Bean

Several long green runner beans hanging from a vine surrounded by tiny red flowers and lush green foliage — Shop ‘Kelvedon Marvel’ runner bean seeds

Producing crunchy, sweet, and fruity snap beans with an apple-grape flavor, this runner bean might unseat your favorite snap bean. In addition to tasting great fresh, the variety produces dry beans with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a smooth texture. A strong climber with beautiful flowers, the variety was developed in England and introduced in 1950. Rarely available in the United States commercial seed trade, it is a marvel to be enjoyed. Get seeds here!

Keep Exploring the John Withee Exhibit

Presented by Seed Savers Exchange and funded in part by a grant from the 1772 Foundation.

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