Apple Trees

A couple of years ago I learned from Peg that a young man in Waupaca County had begun a mission to save old varieties of apple trees. He has done an amazing amount of research to learn what varieties might have been in existence during the late 1800s and has been contacting residents to find out whether any old trees are still growing on farms in the county. He then visits to cut scions from the old varieties to replant.

The oldest orchard on our farm (located west of the buildings) was supposedly planted by A.D. "Appletree" Barnes, so we did some research into that name. 

First orchard on the farm

From his obituary we learned that "in 1887 Mr Barnes disposed of his interests in Fond du Lac County and came to Waupaca County, where he purchased a farm adjoining the city limits of Waupaca City and established the Arctic nursery. For a number of years he lectured at various places in Wisconsin for the farmers’ institutes and was a member of the State Horticultural Society."

From another source we learned the origin of his nickname.

Why are you called A.D. Appletree, Mr. Barnes was asked.

"Why, some years ago I was appointed one of the first institute lecturers for the horticultural society; later my brother was appointed and he lectured on small fruits and I talked on apple trees, till finally to designate one from the other I was called 'Appletree' Barnes and my brother 'Strawberry' Barnes.

I found the name 'Appletree' rather caught the public and I have used it ever since as a trade mark. It has been a winner. Not long ago a letter was addressed to Appletree Barnes, Appleton, and the postmaster knowing that it was for me sent it right along. The name has been a winner for me."


Most interesting for our family history is an item that appeared in one of his catalogues that is in an archive at the University of Stevens Point. "Mrs. J. Henry Smith planted the seed in a flower pot and when it germinated she planted it in the front yard of the house. It is now a lively tree. Keeps until June without rotting; it is a beautiful reddish brown mottled fair sized apple. 1 mile away from the Granite Quarry."


*52 Ancestors: "Nature"