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Ruby Jane Green was born on April 17th, 1882, in Paulding, Mississippi. Around 1900, she moved to Union Parish, Louisiana, bringing with her seeds of a pole-type snap bean that produces purple-streaked pods that turn completely green when cooked. Ruby married William Ernest Savage (7/26/1875 – 1/3/1946) of the Marion community in 1904 and they had nine children. The homestead was, and still is, located near Marion in Union Parish.
Ruby Jane and Ernest grew this bean in their large home garden for years. According to family members, “MawMaw” would often let folks in the community come pick vegetables out of the Savage Family Garden during the Depression years. For some, it was their only source of food during those desperate times.
In addition to her bean, “MawMaw” Savage was known for her cathead biscuits, the ability to whistle up quail to her yard when they were more plentiful in Louisiana than they are today, and her red house shoes. She even befriended and was esteemed in Louisiana’s most elite horticultural circles. Dr. J.C. Miller, LSU’s vegetable breeder during the 1930s and 40s, used “Ma Savage’s” (as he called her) bean in pole bean breeding experiments at the research station on campus in Baton Rouge. Two varieties, Green Savage and Savage Wonder, are the results of those trials. We have had tremendous success with Ma Savage’s Bean, Savage Wonder, and Green Savage.
Mary Emma Savage, one of “MawMaw” Savage’s great granddaughters, provided us with seeds of the Savage Bean in 2022.The seeds are rather elongated, brownish or tan colored and speckled. Based on the size, shape, and color of the seeds and the purplish streaks that develop on the pods, the Ma Savage Bean seems to be a landrace of the Rattlesnake Pole Bean.
Ruby Jane Green Savage passed away on September 28th, 1969, aged 87.
Ruby Jane Green Savage at her home in Union Parish, Louisiana, ca. 1950. To her family, she was “MawMaw” or “Aunt Rube.” To LSU’s Dr. J.C. Miller, she was “Ma Savage.” Used with permission of the family.
The 2023 crop of Ma Savage Beans growing in the Louisiana Kitchen Garden Exhibit at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe, Louisiana.
Saved seeds of the Ma Savage Bean in 2023.
The 2024 crop of Ma Savage Beans prior to a severe thunderstorm blowing the vines down.
Ma Savage Bean seeds from Mary Emma Savage in June, 2022.
