Chatham County residents can celebrate the county’s 250th anniversary by “preserving a piece of history” in their own backyard.
Through a partnership with Century Farm Orchards, residents are now able to buy and plant their own Old Southern Apple tree – a rare local variety of apple tree that has deep ties to the area.
Old Southern Apple trees, particularly the Aunt Rachel tree, not only originated in Chatham County but also are the legacy of late Chatham County resident Lee Calhoun.
Calhoun is considered “the Savior of Southern Apples.” A longtime Chathamite, he was an expert in Heirloom Old Southern Apple trees, spreading the little-known apple across North Carolina. Calhoun also wrote the book Old Southern Apples, which gives the history of more than 1,600 distinct Southern Apple varieties.
While Calhoun passed in 2020, Chatham County remains that much sweeter due to his work.
“One of the things that I think is so great about the project is that we’re drawing on our unique history.” said Renee Paschal, one of the co-chairs of the Chatham 250 celebration. “The tree originated here, but it also honors the legacy of Lee Calhoun, who was a nationally recognized expert and longtime Chatham resident. He preserved the tree and brought notoriety to the Aunt Rachel apple tree as well as many heirloom varieties of Southern Apple trees.”
Paschal said planting Old Southern Apple trees for Chatham 250 is fitting, not just to honor Calhoun’s memory, but also to continue his work of preserving a piece of Chatham’s history.
“At the outset of planning for the celebration, we discussed really wanting to do something with a lasting impact,” Paschal said. “To me, being able to plant a tree that originated in Chatham County is really reflective of that. It’s something that future generations will be able to enjoy.”
Lee Calhoun and his dog. (Photo via Chatham County/Baxter Miller)
For $42, the Chatham 250 Heirloom Old Southern Apple Tree bundle will include one Old Southern Pollinator apple tree of the purchaser’s choice alongside the Chatham-specific Aunt Rachel tree.
According to the county, the Aunt Rachel tree is disease resistant, a fast grower, and begins to fruit in late July and early August. The apples are red with darker stripes and are mildly tart and juicy.
Orders for the tree bundle must be placed on the Chatham 250 order form by Friday, September 10.
“The interest has been overwhelming,” said Paschal. “I think this really struck a chord with our residents. At this point, we’ve had more orders than we have trees, but we’re working to try to see if we can order more trees. I would encourage folks to get their order form in as soon as possible and not wait until the September deadline.”
For more information on how to get your own tree bundle, click here.
