Don't Forget The Apples...!

We have a really important day coming up that you don't want to forget!

I'm talking about our historical friend Johnny Appleseed! We all have heard about him, but how much do we really know about this character? Actually, quite a bit!

Here are a couple of historical facts about this true pioneer of the modern day nurseries!

March 11—Johnny Appleseed Day
Celebrating John Chapman, legendary American pioneer and folk hero who planted apple trees across the American frontier. Chapman’s birthday is on September 26, but Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated today.

From the Ohio History Central...here is a little more history of the character we all know as Johnny Appleseed!

John Chapman
Also known as Johnny Appleseed

John Chapman was born on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. Chapman is better known as Johnny Appleseed. Beginning in 1802, Chapman began to wander through Pennsylvania and eventually Ohio planting apple nurseries. He was known as being somewhat of an eccentric. Chapman opposed violence of all sorts towards both humans and animals. He was a strict vegetarian. He also primarily wore discarded clothing or would barter some apple saplings for used clothes. Chapman believed firmly in Emanuel Swedenborg's teachings and probably was the most famous of the Swedenborgians.

Chapman spent most of his time in Ohio in Richland County near Mansfield. At one point during the War of 1812, Mansfield residents feared an Indian attack. Chapman immediately went to Mount Vernon for assistance. Chapman risked his own life to summon aid for his neighbors in Richland County. This willingness to suffer for others was a trait Chapman exhibited throughout his life. Many of Ohio's first orchards began with saplings from Chapman's nurseries. His trees fed many of Ohio's early white settlers as they struggled to establish farms and homes on the frontier. Johnny Appleseed eventually owned more than 1,200 acres of land across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. He died near Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the early 1840s.

Now, a lot of places are having apples on sale right now! I'm sure it's just coincidental, but you never know! Why not pick up some at the store next time you go there? Tasty, healthy, and they are a very good treat for the kids...if you have any! If you don't have kids...then you could bake me an apple pie. I don't mind a bit!

OK, my friends, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside on the patio for a bit. Here...have an apple!