Jackson in Jackson County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Commercial Apple Orchards in Jackson County / The Jackson County Apple Festival
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018
1. Commercial Apple Orchards in Jackson County face of marker
Inscription.
Commercial Apple Orchards in Jackson County, also, The Jackson County Apple Festival. . Commercial Apple Orchards in Jackson County. The first commercial apple orchards were established in Jackson County in the late nineteenth century, although legend has it that Johnny Appleseed planted the first apple trees here around 1800. By 1930, there were approximately fifty orchards in ten of the county’s twelve townships. Twenty years later, Jackson County ranked second in Ohio in apple production. The early 1950s were the high water mark of apple growing in Jackson County. In 1950, growers harvested more than 285,000 bushels from 70,200 trees. By 1959, 25,400 trees yielded 98,300 bushels, but the industry still employed approximately 500 people and was worth $1,000,000 annually. Apple cultivation began to decline in the mid-1960s in part because many families who operated commercial orchards left the business. At the start of the twenty -first century only one commercial apple orchard remained in Jackson County. , The Jackson County Apple Festival. The Jackson Chamber of Commerce conceived the Jackson County Apple Festival in the spring of 1937 and the first one was held that year, from October 6-9. The purposes of the festival, according to its founders, were to celebrate one of Jackson County’s leading industries, apple cultivation, as well as bring together citizens of the county and offer an opportunity for former residents to return to the area for visits. In addition to apples, the first festival included prizes for vegetables and flowers, and also a baby and pet parade. The crowning an apple festival queen and court was a highlight of the first festival and became a festival tradition. In 1959, the Jackson Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) joined with the Chamber to co-sponsor the event. Despite the decline in commercial apple growing tn the county, the festival remains a popular event under the leadership of the Jaycees.
Commercial Apple Orchards in Jackson County. The first commercial apple orchards were established in Jackson
County in the late nineteenth century, although legend has it that
Johnny Appleseed planted the first apple trees here around 1800.
By 1930, there were approximately fifty orchards in ten of the
county’s twelve townships. Twenty years later, Jackson County
ranked second in Ohio in apple production. The early 1950s were
the high water mark of apple growing in Jackson County. In 1950,
growers harvested more than 285,000 bushels from 70,200 trees.
By 1959, 25,400 trees yielded 98,300 bushels, but the industry
still employed approximately 500 people and was worth $1,000,000
annually. Apple cultivation began to decline in the mid-1960s in
part because many families who operated commercial orchards left
the business. At the start of the twenty -first century only one
commercial apple orchard remained in Jackson County.
The Jackson County Apple Festival. The Jackson Chamber of Commerce conceived the Jackson County
Apple Festival in the spring of 1937 and the first one was held
that year, from October 6-9. The purposes of the festival,
according to its founders, were to celebrate one of Jackson
County’s leading industries, apple cultivation, as well as bring
together citizens of the county and
Click or scan to see this page online
offer an opportunity for
former residents to return to the area for visits. In addition to
apples, the first festival included prizes for vegetables
and flowers, and also a baby and pet parade. The crowning
an apple festival queen and court was a highlight of the first
festival and became a festival tradition. In 1959, the Jackson
Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) joined with the Chamber
to co-sponsor the event. Despite the decline in commercial apple
growing tn the county, the festival remains a popular event under
the leadership of the Jaycees.
Erected 2010 by Jackson County Historical Society, Jackson Jaycees, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 7-40.)
Location. 39° 3.151′ N, 82° 38.248′ W. Marker is in Jackson, Ohio, in Jackson County. Marker is on Main Street north of Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north. It is at the old courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jackson OH 45640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jackson (here, next to this marker); James A. Rhodes (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 31, 2018
2. The Jackson County Apple Festival face of marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on September 23, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.