Near Gays Mills in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Gays Mills Apple Orchards
Photographed By Keith L, June 6, 2010
1. Gays Mills Apple Orchards Marker
Inscription.
Gays Mills Apple Orchards. . Farmers in this area learned early that the land on both sides of the Kickapoo River offered excellent conditions for apple-growing. In 1905 John Hays and Ben Twining collected apples from eight or ten farmers around Gays Mills for exhibit at the State Fair. The exhibit won first prize, then went on to capture first honors in a national apple show in New York. This experience prompted the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society to urge a project of "trial orchards" around the state to interest growers in commercial production. The Society examined a site on High Ridge and planted five acres with five recommended varieties. By 1911 the orchard had grown so vigorously that an organization was formed in Gays Mills to promote the selling of orchards. Today more than a thousand acres here produce apples nationally known for their color and flavor.
Farmers in this area learned early that the land on both sides of the Kickapoo River offered excellent conditions for apple-growing. In 1905 John Hays and Ben Twining collected apples from eight or ten farmers around Gays Mills for exhibit at the State Fair. The exhibit won first prize, then went on to capture first honors in a national apple show in New York. This experience prompted the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society to urge a project of "trial orchards" around the state to interest growers in commercial production. The Society examined a site on High Ridge and planted five acres with five recommended varieties. By 1911 the orchard had grown so vigorously that an organization was formed in Gays Mills to promote the selling of orchards. Today more than a thousand acres here produce apples nationally known for their color and flavor.
Erected 1955 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 23.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Horticulture & Forestry. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 43° 18.917′ N, 90° 50.441′ W. Marker is near Gays Mills, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. Marker is on State
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Highway 171, half a mile east of State Highway 131, on the left when traveling east. Marker is east of Gays Mills at a highway pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gays Mills WI 54631, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,568 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.