Forget what's good..."What's New?" Part I

There's a syndrome in the violet world known as the "What's New Syndrome".  We don't seem to be overly concerned if a new variety is good or better than what we're currently growing, just that it's new.  After all, we are a society that likes our new shiny objects and loves to dispose of the "old" ones.  What is one of our favorite sayings, "Out with the old and in with the new"?  Remember, there is a little truth in everything we say! 

Unfortunately, this fascination with "new" has lead to the extinction of many exceptional violets over the years.  I've dug into some of my photo archives and offer you a look at some of the violets from days gone by that are likely no longer in circulation.

Sweet Treat (L. Lyon) Single rose-pink. Red-backed. Semiminiature

This plant was exhibited at the 1988 AVSA convention in Dallas, TX.  I believe the grower was Patricia Champagne (BTW, Hortense named a plant after her...Pat Champagne).