Winthrop Maine Historical Society to Host Kerry Anne Wilkins

Thursday, September 14, 2023 5-8 pm
Posted on: August 29, 2023 - 10:12am
picture of presenter

Hows about them apples Winthrop? Come one, Come all!  Join the Winthrop Historical Society for an evening of Winthrop Apple History featuring The Fairbanks Heirloom Tree from the late 1700's to present day.  Benjamin Fairbanks came to Winthrop in 1766 and settled on Lot 6 located between Lake Cobbossee and the Upper and Lower Narrows Ponds.The current owners contacted the staff at the Maine Heritage Orchard, a part of the  Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, after their daughter noticed a wanted poster for the Fairbanks apple tree at an apple event held at the MOFGA fairgrounds. Kerry  became very excited that a Fairbanks might possibly still exist on the former Fairbanks homestead. Can you imagine an apple tree surviving over 200 years after being farmed by the Fairbanks, used by the Town Poor Farm residents, growing in a pasture for dairy cows and living under a telephone line? Kerry’ enthusiasm led her to take a graft back to the orchard to grow another Fairbanks tree and hopes to send an apple off to get its DNA tested. Yes apples have DNA just like you and me. 

This evening event will begin with an apple pie bake off starting at 5:00. The bake off will take place outside of the Center before Kerry’s talk. Bring your favorite apple pie and a special panel of judges will judge each delicious and delightful slice for a first, second and third place honor. Sharing your recipe is optional.  In the event of inclement weather, the bake off will be canceled. To RSVP or for  more information, call the Center at 207-395-5199.

The presentation will be in person inside at the Winthrop History and Heritage Center at 107 Main Street, Winthrop, Maine but for those who opt for a zoom option, find the link below. If you have difficulties getting onto the zoom option, please call the Center at 207-395-5199 or send a Facebook message to the Society at Friends of the Winthrop Maine Historical Society. 

Speaker Series:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82107710940?pwd=d1oxL1lrSCs2cEF1SEhkclZ2SDNhUT09 

The next WMHS Business Meeting will take place on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 6-8.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81781837381?pwd=b1I2T041UmlkZlNsUnBsYU01QXBuZz09