American Florist, 9: 905 (April 26, 1894)
Many growers, particularly those who were caught in the Waban craze a few years ago, are rather cautious about investing in any new pink variety. “Mermet is good enough for me; let some other fool experiment with new varieties; I have been hit often enough," are expressions we meet with quite frequently. Yet the good qualities of the Bridesmaid are no longer a matter of speculation. Any grower so disposed can investigate for himself by seeing it grow at various establishments around the city.

Mr. Kennedy, an experienced grower, who manages the affairs of this establishment, in speaking of this variety says: "My experience with this rose the present season, is such that I feel warranted in recommending it very highly. With me it has proved the best paying variety we grow. I bought last spring 1,000 plants from the house that introduced this sort. Being personally acquainted with Mr. Moore I relied upon his judgment as to the merit of this rose, but I must admit that I didn't feel quite easy in my mind. The thought of the Waban was still a nightmare to me, but all I can say now is, that I wish I had bought 3,000 instead of 1,000. You will notice that these roses are planted in various situations in different houses. Here is one lot on a front bench, another on a center bench, and still another is grown on the rear bench of a house. I did this to test the variety thoroughly. There is little if any difference in any of them. The habit of this rose is certainly as good as that of Mermet, with me it seems even a stronger grower, and as regards yield fully as good. I intend to bench at least 3,000 plants this spring."

American Gardening, 8(5): 320 (May 1892)
AMONG the new roses now offered to the trade it would be hard to find one more promising than Bridesmaid. This, like The Bride and Waban, is a sport from Mermet, showing the character of its parent strongly in habit and growth. The color, however, is totally distinct. While Mermet is shell-pink, fading into yellowish white in bad weather, Bridesmaid is bright satiny pink, devoid of yellow, and it bears dark weather admirably. Waban has been a disappointment to many, though it would be unfair to condemn it without further trial. Bridesmaid, it will be remembered, was first offered under the title of "Hugh," being named after Hugh Waban, but this name was superseded by the later and more euphonious one. There is much in a name, as every florist knows.

Jour. Roy. Hort. Soc. 27: 475-478 (1902-1903)
In 1891, the Waban Rose Conservatories, near Boston, introduced one which they called ‘Waban.’ Introduced with blare of trumpets, this Rose took the course of the proverbial rocket.

John Henderson Co. Flushing, Long Island. 1891

Waban--This, without doubt, is the most valuable rose that has been introduced in several years for the commercial florist. It can best be described as a Red Mermet.

Plants will be ready for distribution on April 15th, 1891. Orders, booked now, will be filled in strict rotation.