Skinner's Seedling

Skinner's Seedling. . , On March 29, 1849. Henry Chapman Skinner left Milwaukee, Wisconsin and crossed the plains to California, taking with him some Newtown Pippen Apples. Most of these apples decayed during the trip, but one was saved and contained thirteen seeds. In April of 1850, Skinner settled in San Jose in what would be later known as the Sweigert House, near Julian St. Alongside the Coyote Creek. He planted those thirteen seeds in the fall, and two of them grew. One of these proved to be a sour apple and the other, a skinner's seedling, was created. This tree grew thriftily, as is its nature. In September 1857 the first of the fruits, thirty-two in number, were exhibited at the annual fair of The Santa Clara County Agricultural Society. The last record of the original tree was in 1878. It was standing near the Coyote Creek and in full bearing. Saplings from this tree were grown locally and were the only commercially viable apple developed in California in the late 1800s. Skinner's Seedling Saplings are still available and are traced back to the original seeds. , Dedicated, 2020 by California Pioneers of Santa Clara County , Mountain Charlie Chapter No. 1850 E Clampus Vitus , "Right wrongs nobody"