Escapees September-October 2022

J. Sterling Morton voiced his dedi cation to and appreciation of trees when he stated, “If I had the power, I would compel every man in the state, who had a home of his own, to plant out and cultivate fruit trees.” W e have heard many stories about J. Sterling Morton and his wife, Caroline, who settled in Southeastern Nebraska during the late 1850s. From the fi rst days of living on the treeless prairie, this couple missed the tree-lined streets in Eastern United States. Determined to correct this de fi ciency, they planted all kinds of trees, especially fruit trees, because of the area’s rich soil and plentiful sunshine. The couple planted an apple orchard of 300 trees as well as peach, plum and pear trees numbering 1,000 in all. Morton was right about apples. Apple trees can last a long time, giving tons of fruit. An average tree can fi ll 20 boxes, weighing 42 pounds each. One of the oldest apple trees in America was reportedly planted in 1647 by Governor Peter Stuyvesant, in his Manhattan orchard on 13th St. The tree was still bearing fruit when a derailed train struck it in 1866. Legends About Apples Many legends exist about apples. One legend states that if you fall asleep in an orchard you may wake up years later. Another states that treasure buried under an apple tree will never rot or be found. Bobbing for apples at Halloween reportedly puts one in touch with the fairy kingdom. Another belief is that taking a bite from an apple, and then placing it under your pillow, will help you dream of your true love. Greek and Roman mythology regarded apples as symbols of love and beauty. Today, we will sometimes call something we prize, “The apple of our eye!” Apples, noted as a “miracle food,” are often praised with the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This expression actually

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September/October 2022 ESCAPEES Magazine