A fundraising campaign has resulted in local libraries each receiving a newly published set of reference books on apple varieties.
The “Illustrated History of Apples in the United States and Canada” by Daniel J. Bussey and Kent Whealy is the most comprehensive source on the topic, said Lew Matis, a local historian, who organized the fundraiser.
“At first I wanted to get one copy for the Cortez library, then thought why not fund raise and donate one to all our libraries,” Matis said. “It really benefits us apple nerds.”
He found 21 people willing to donate $50 each. One seven-volume set costs $350.
The reference set documents about 16,300 apple varieties from the last two centuries. It contains 1,400 watercolor color illustrations, and includes the history, flavor attributes and scientific data of apple types and trees.
The books are especially appropriate for Montezuma County which has been moving forward on an apple orchard revival — a market that thrived here more than 100 years ago.
Jude Schuenemeyer, of the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, said the reference books are valuable in helping to identify local historic apple varieties he and others are trying to bring back into production.
“These books are essential for us apple sleuths searching for lost varieties,” he said. “Creating the base knowledge of apple trees in the community helps the orchard movement return the market back to our landscape.”
The books will also interest the casual historian and horticulturist, said Cortez Library Director Eric Ikenouye.
“Apples have a unique history in Montezuma County so having these available is really important, plus they are beautifully illustrated,” he said.
With all of the historic orchards in the area, there is a real opportunity to grow for the cider market, and the books are a good resource for that as well, added Mancos library director Lee Hallberg.
The donors for the books include Laurie Austin, Ric Plese, Kim Welty and Cap Allen, Ashley and Ben Carelock, Pat and Jack Burk, Jorie MCann and Chad Close, Kim and Eric Lindgren, Gail and Vic Vanic, Janine Fitzgerald, Robin and John Lyle, Carolynn Landes, Kathryn and Richard Fulton, Neal Wright, Sam Perry. Linda Towle, Lynn Utick and Art Rohn, Josh Horner, Addie and Jude Schuenemeyer, Martha and Dusty Teal, Lew Matis, Sandy and Larry Tredlaner, and Anna Taugher.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com