Fall Work

This past fall I have made many discoveries and have researched extensively. As a member of the University of Wisconsin Colleges, I have access to their huge collection of books and articles. I requested 3 books for my research and found much information that I have needed. I have put together a rough outline for the research I did this past fall. Also included is research that I am currently working on.
I.
1. Locating former members of the on old plat maps in the Waupaca County Horticultural Society who brought about the Waupaca County Seedlings. These members include: E.W. Wrightman, A.V. Balch, A. Bennett, J. Crocker, Mr. Gibson, C. Parker, and Mr. Mawhinney.

I have mapped all of these locations on a personal map and will scout the area out for possible old trees once I get the chance to take an all day trip. This requires going to Lind, Waupaca, Weyauwega/Fremont areas.

2. Mapping old apple trees to take cuttings from this coming spring and giving them a designated number to remember which is which.

II.

St. Lawrence No. 2 and No. 3

Weyauwega No. 1

1. The discoveries I have made this past fall are quite interesting. Outside Weyauwega, there is a really old apple tree in the middle of a field. The field used to be a fruit farm called Schoenick's Fruit Farm. This tree is either a seedling from one of his trees or one of his original trees. There is no information on his fruit farm. The apple is a pleasant apple. Thus I have named it Weyauwega No. 1. The description is as follows: small, green with red blush and some stripes. The shape is round but also ribbed. The stem is short and clubbed. The flesh is white and browns fast. The flesh is also mealy. The next apple is the St. Lawrence No. 1 also thought to be the once famed Rose apple from Waupaca Arctic Nursery as it meets it's description. This apple was a tip from someone who saw my article in the newspaper about what I am doing. The person who shall be unnamed guided me to an old orchard still alive in the middle of the woods in the township of St. Lawrence, Waupaca County. They had (luckily for me) cut down a few trees 2 years ago to let in sunlight so the trees wouldn't die. There are about 7-9 trees (I forgot to count) in a line still alive. The rest of the orchard can be seen scattered throughout the woods with skeletons of the once great trees. The description of this apple is quite long so bear with me: Large, round apple with smooth skin. Cavity is green and near the top of the apple stripes appear to only disappear in the blush; about halfway down the apple. Yellowish-pink is found on non-blushed side. Almost white. Red blush is red to dark red. White dots indicate pores. Thick skin. Basin is medium depth. Calyx is open, reflexed, and medium sized. Cavity is deep and funneled. Stem is medium to long, medium thickness and straight. Flesh is white and breaks into chucks. Somewhat crispy. Unusual texture. Flavour is possibly sub-acidic and slightly dry. Almost bitter but not. Phew, got that out of the way. In short terms, I found 2 other apple varieties with this variety. St. Lawrence No. 2 and No. 3.  No. 2 is a greenish sometimes whitish yellow apple. Russet-ting near the top. Size is small. Stem is medium to long and flesh is white. Balanced between tart and sweet. Crispy, excellent flavour. Yes I spelled flavour the British way because it is easier in my head. No. 3 is a small apple that is greenish-yellow. Stem is short and slender. Flesh is white, browns in 2-3 minutes, and is sweet. No tartness at all.

The  Ratzburg 

St. Lawerene No. 1 or possibly the Rose Apple

Same apple as above

2. I am making progress on the submission of the Ratzburg for the Slow Food USA movement. Slow Food helps preserve cultural diversity in not just plants but also unique foods as well. As a member of the Seed Savers Exhchange, I am offering the Ratzburg this year as scion wood.

Old Apple Orchard in the town of St. Lawrenece