Apple Success Spreads Across Minnesota
The Wealthy was exhibited first at the Minnesota State Fair in 1868. It spread to northern states and the rest of the U.S. within 10 years. 25 years after its introduction, the Wealthy was still the most popular apple in the country.
After the Wealthy was introduced, Peter worked on trying to make the skin tougher and more weather proof. He also continued to grow more Wealthy trees for the growing apple demand.
Peter’s Wealthy added millions in horticultural wealth to the Midwest and fruit production rose sharply. Peter developed the Wealthy to help other people, not to gain wealth for himself. Peter sent out hundreds of seedlings accross the country.
"The Wealthy [Apple] is a standard American apple, indispensable in cold regions and valuable wherever apples are grown...." Hedrick, 1922
Peter also wrote articles on fruit breeding to expand on his success in apples to other fruits. He was widely recognized for his contribution to horticulture and won The Wilder Silver Medal for achievements in apple growing (pomology). Peter retired in 1898, and died a year later on October 27, 1899 in Excelsior Minnesota. He was 81 years old.
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Click here to view "Minnesota Establishes The Fruit Farm"
Click here to view "Minnesota Establishes The Fruit Farm"