368: Who named this apple Northern Spy?

Cider Chat

Spy Novels Step Aside for an Apple of a Tale

The Northern Spy is a delightful apple used both for baking and cidermaking! At one time it was a major export commodity due to its lack of bruising when packed in barrels. As far as apples go it is a winner for so many reasons, yet no one knows why it is named Northern Spy. there are certainly many hyposthesis on the subject. In episode 226: Northern Spy and the Underground Railroad Ryan Monkman of Fieldbird Cider reads a fictional essay on the topic (do listen as it is grand).

Kerry Anne Wilkins

In this episode we hear from Apple Sleuth or self proclaimed "Malus Absurdum" Kerry Anne Wilkins who is on the trail of the Northern Spy. Professionally Kerry works as a hospice nurse, but her love of apples and set her on a journey to find the story behind the naming of the Northern Spy.

Herman Chapin is responsible for propagating the Northern Spy

In this Chat

• Meeting the John Bunkers, a premier Apple Detective
• What we know so far about the Northern Spy's history
• Apple Sleuthing tips
  • Libraries
  • Oral History
  • Newspaper
  • Cemeteries
  • Land maps
• Tracking the Northern Spy to East Bloomfield, New York
• A Martha Steward faux pas that needed to be corrected
• The Northern Spy marker in East Bloomfield
• Herman Chapin and the Chapin family connection to the Northern Spy

] East Bloomfield road marker reads:

The original Northern Spy Apple Tree Stood about 14 Rods south of this spot in a seedling orchard. Planted by Herman Chapin about 1800 The Early Joe and Melon Apple also originated in this orchard.

The quest continues

Kerry is still on the quest to discover the history of the Northern Spy and hopefully the reason why this apple was named as such. If you have info please send it along her way. Recipes, book mentions, oral tales are all welcomed.

Contact info for Kerry Anne Wilkins

email: [email protected]

Want Kerry's postal address to send a letter? Contact [email protected]

Mentions in this Chat

• Listen to episode 290 with Tattiebolge CiderWorks Acme, Pennsylvania - as mentioned in this episode it is building out!
• Canuck Cider Cup winners for 2023
• Who is John Bunker America's Apple Detective? There are many episodes with John feature. Begin with this one https://ciderchat.com/028-john-bunker-apple-identification/ and then google Cider Chat John Bunker for more from this American treasure of a man!
• Bottles on My Desk - Listen to the latest episode at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel via playlist "bottles on my desk"