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The Humble & Tasty Apple
Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: 2020/03 - March
The Cashiers Historical Society is sponsoring its 2020 Heritage Apple Day on Saturday, March 14 from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Cashiers Community Center across from the Cashiers Fire Department.
Join them in celebrating our area’s horticultural history by learning to identify and preserve ancient apple varieties that have flourished in our mountains for years. Admission is free.
The rich mountain soil of Cashiers and surrounding communities has long produced abundant apple crops which were vital to the survival of our ancestors. Flourishing farms and homesteads had abundant orchards with apple crops that provided sustenance for humans and livestock alike.
Through the years many of the aging trees are dying out or have ceased to produce fruit, and the Historical Society recognizes the continued importance of keeping these tree varieties as part of our heritage.
The featured speaker for this event will be Tom Brown, North Carolina’s modern day version of Johnny Appleseed. Brown shares his passion and extensive knowledge for preserving heritage apple varieties for future generations through donations to heritage apple nurseries, and by grafting trees to return to their original counties.
Ken Fisher, Trevor Howard, and Will Wardowski will have a grafting demonstration and workshop. This is a great opportunity to learn the process of grafting apple tree scions onto new stalks in order to preserve these trees and introduce new growth and varieties.
Bring your own scion wood and take home an apple tree.
There will also be fun activities for kids including a coloring station where kids can color pictures of apples and a children’s table with crafts. Tasty apples, apple treats and hot cider will also be provided for everyone’s enjoyment.
The Cashiers Historical Society’s mission is to preserve the heritage of Cashiers Valley through education, stewardship, and advocacy. Join them in heralding the beginning of the spring season by celebrating the humble and tasty apple, while learning to preserve this piece of our culture and history.
For further information contact the Cashiers Historical Society at (828) 743-7710 or visit their website at cashiershistoricalsociety.org.
by Mary Jane McCall
