Celebrating Johnny Appleseed Mary Lynne Spazok
The whimsical spirit of Johnny Appleseed was celebrated by 100 Eisenhower Elementary pupils during their autumn outing to the Gilfillan Homestead. Photos show the trunk of an incredibly aged but fruitful apple tree. Tall and proud, its gnarly character reflects the fortitude of the pioneers who were inspired by the animated ambition of John Chapman. Best known as historical icon Johnny Appleseed, his wilderness adventures are larger-than-life legends. John Chapman was born September 26, 1774, in Massachusetts. Forty-nine years of his life were spent in the wilderness cultivating orchards from wee apple seeds. His clothes were burlap “gunny sacks,” while his hat was a tin cooking pot. His favorite book, the Bible, underscored his staunch belief in God. A gentle and caring man, his ambition was that fruit bearing trees would ensure that no man, rich or poor, would go hungry. He slept outdoors and walked barefoot around the country planting far and wide. Folklore portrays him frolicking freely with wildlife. Once a rattlesnake tried to bite him, but the fangs would not go into his foot because his skin was leathery as an elephant’s hide. A friend to all, Native Americans throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Illinois held Johnny in high regard. His bountiful passion for serving others led some Indians to believe that he was touched by the Great Spirit. A compassionate man, he understood the views and needs of both the white man and Indians. A first-rate communicator, he was eloquent and persuasively kindhearted with a keen sense of humor. Openly patriotic, he celebrated the Fourth of July proclaiming vigorously the moral fiber of freedom. Fresh apples are firm, fruity, and free of bruises. Refrigerate to ensure crispness, zest, and slow ripening. To prevent foul odor absorption, store
Shown are Eisenhower Elementary second graders with teachers and parent helpers.
away from strong smelling foods, like onions and garlic. Long term preservation methods include unsweetened or sweetened dry pack, syrup method of freezing, or jar canned. Remember the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” With five grams of fiber per apple, this succulent source acts to improve blood lipid profiles while preventing fatty buildup in the blood vessels. The Iowa Women’s Health Study declares, “Apples along with red wine and pears may decrease mortality from coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture database states that “apples are among the top 20 foods with the highest antioxidant concentration.” The antioxidant quercetin is heart-healthy, providing chronic disease-fighting benefits. Flavonoids help to decrease blood pressure in conjunction with sodium restriction, physical activity, and alcohol reduction. While the legend of Johnny Appleseed is famous, John Chapman died in 1845 at the age of 71—remarkably his first documented sickness. Decades later, horticultural historians acknowledge that the last surviving Roman Apple tree sown by Johnny thrives on the farm of Richard and Phyllis Algeo in Nova, Ohio. On USC Community Day, Saturday, May 16, be on the lookout for JA and the gnarly apple tree at Gilfillan Farm’s rear yard, close to the white picket fence. Marvel at the ability of a miniscule seed that grows into a scrumptious nutritious treat. Be a Johnny Appleseed and compost that core! Live in harmony with nature— reduce, re-use, recycle. n
Spring 2009
UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY
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