The Oldest Apple Tree In Washington State
Can't wait for Fall in the Pacific Northwest because I am told that harvest time for apples is insane. Not that I'm complaining, this being the end of June, as farmers markets are exploding with Summer fruits and vegetables.
Vancouver Farmers Market Local Berries Photo Credit//Beth Marlin Lichter
Washington is famous for its apples. The state boasts 175,000 acres of orchards, which produce 125 million boxes of apples per year. They are all picked by hand, not by machinery.
When the Hudson's Bay Company from England established the fort at Vancouver, it was 1824. Fur trapping was the primary commerce and the fort was a whopping 17,000 mile sea journey from home. Therefore gardens were established early, in order to provide food for the inhabitants. In 1828 fur trapper Jedidiah Smith said the fort had "a fine garden, some small apple trees and vines."
The widely accepted story of the first apple trees planted in Vancouver goes like this: A gentleman at a dinner party in London was given a few apple seeds by a lady, who instructed him to plant them upon arrival at the fort. Some time later the gentleman discovered the seeds wrapped up in his vest pocket and those seeds were then planted.
Fort Vancouver And The Old Apple Tree
The old apple tree dates back to 1826 or 1827. It is the only above-ground living cultivated thing that still exists from the days of the Hudson's Bay Company.
By 1844 there was an established apple orchard at the fort and the gardens were extensive. Flowers, vegetables and fruit trees took to the Pacific Northwest climate beautifully. The inhabitants of the fort knew how to grow and nurture, extracting the best from soil and sun.
Gardens, Fort Vancouver Photo Credit//Beth Marlin Lichter
Having delved a bit into the history of the agricultural efforts at Fort Vancouver, let me next describe my actual visit to the old apple tree.
I followed directions to Old Apple Tree Park, very excited to see the tree, feel the vibe of the thing, knowing that it was the only living relic attached to the formation of the fort. Old indeed, battered by ice storms, winds whipping down the gorge and urban development, I was amazed that this venerable apple tree could even still be alive.
The Old Apple Tree, Vancouver Photo Credit//Beth Marlin Lichter
It was a challenging photo to take. From some angles the tree looks downright sad and decrepit, having suffered years of neglect, damage and even vandalism. Nevertheless, here it is, clinging to Earth in solitary confinement, within a dingy square. We had a brief conversation during which I commented upon her impressive longevity and promised to come back and visit again.
I do plan to attend the Old Apple Tree Festival October 6th, 2018. The Urban Forestry Commissioners will be giving out a few cuttings from the tree and there will also be community apple cider pressing. Bring your own apples and container. Twelve pounds of apples equals one quart of cider. Local cideries will also be represented at the festival. I hope our tree feels the love. She needs it.
https://www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/old-apple-tree-festival-october-6
