Here in Burlington County, New Jersey in the early 1900's
there was a woman by the name of Miss Elizabeth White. Miss
White was responsible for the development of the highbush blueberry
in New Jersey and the whole world for that matter. She worked
with the local "piney's" in collecting the best of the wild
native blueberries. She then took them to Dr. Coville and
together they made the first hybrid highbush blueberries.
Story has it that she used her mothers wedding ring as a sizing
tool and told locals she only wanted berries that would not
fall through the ring. Interestingly, her direct decendents
still live and farm cranberries & blueberries in this area.
I can get you in touch with them if you would like.
Sincerely,
Ray Samulis
Rutgers Cooperative Extension