Tom Brown, a 79-year-old retired engineer from Clemmons, North Carolina, has dedicated more than two decades of his retirement to an extraordinary mission: tracking down and reviving rare, nearly extinct apple varieties that once flourished across Appalachia. His passion for rediscovering these heirloom apples has led him to uncover and cultivate over 1,200 unique varieties, some of which have not been seen or tasted for over a century. With names as whimsical as Brushy Mountain Limbertwig, Mule Face, and Tucker’s Everbearing, these apples represent a lost agricultural heritage that Brown is determined to preserve.
The Beginning of a Passion
Brown’s journey into apple preservation began in 1998 when he visited a farmers’ market and encountered a stand selling heritage apples. Intrigued by their diversity and unique flavors, he learned that many of these apples were on the brink of extinction. Inspired by this discovery, he set out on a quest to find the “lost” apples of Appalachia—varieties that had been cultivated for generations but had gradually disappeared due to modernization and the decline of small family orchards.
Armed with old orchard catalogs, historical records, and an extensive network of local contacts, Brown embarked on a painstaking search across the Appalachian region, stretching from southern New York to northern Alabama. His methods were as old-fashioned as the apples he sought: he would drive for hours through rural landscapes, knock on doors, and speak with elderly residents who might remember the locations of long-forgotten orchards.
Rediscovering Lost Apples
Brown’s process for rediscovering apples is meticulous. He begins by researching historical references to lost varieties, often scouring 19th-century agricultural publications and local archives for mentions of apples that no longer appear in commercial production. He then follows leads from old maps and interviews with locals who recall their grandparents tending to apple trees that bore fruit unlike any found in today’s grocery stores.
Once he locates a potential lost apple tree, Brown takes clippings and grafts them onto trees in his own orchard, ensuring their preservation. His home orchard has become a living museum of apple diversity, where once-vanishing varieties now thrive again. Some of these apples have extraordinary characteristics—some are ideal for baking, others for cider-making, and still others boast unusually long shelf lives or resistance to disease.
The Challenges of Preservation
Despite his passion and perseverance, Brown faces significant challenges. Many of the trees he seeks are over a century old and in poor condition. Additionally, the people who hold the knowledge of these apples are aging, and with each passing year, fewer individuals remain who can recall the unique varieties once cultivated in their communities.
To combat these difficulties, Brown encourages others to join his preservation efforts. He sells grafted trees from his collection for just $15 each, hoping that more people will plant and maintain these rare apples. His goal is to create “mini preservation orchards” across the country, ensuring that these varieties will continue to exist for future generations.
The Joy of Rediscovery
For Brown, the thrill of finding and preserving a lost apple is unparalleled. “It’s a thrill to rediscover them,” he says. “I’m happy as a lark.” Each apple he finds represents a piece of history—a tangible connection to the past that would otherwise be lost.
Beyond their historical significance, these apples also carry a rich cultural legacy. Many of them were named after the families who cultivated them, reflecting the deep ties between Appalachian communities and their agricultural traditions. By reviving these apples, Brown is not only saving a fruit but also honoring the memory of the people who once nurtured them.
A Legacy of Preservation
Brown’s work has gained national attention, inspiring a new generation of orchardists and fruit enthusiasts. His dedication has led to the preservation of apples that would have otherwise disappeared forever. While modern agriculture tends to favor a small selection of commercially viable apple varieties, Brown’s efforts highlight the importance of genetic diversity and the unique flavors, textures, and uses of heirloom apples.
Looking ahead, Brown hopes to pass on his knowledge and passion to younger generations. He frequently gives talks, shares his discoveries through his website, and mentors those interested in continuing his work. His dream is that the apples he has saved will continue to grow and be enjoyed for centuries to come.
Conclusion
Tom Brown’s mission is more than just a hobby—it’s a dedication to preserving history, culture, and biodiversity. Through his tireless efforts, over 1,200 rare apple varieties have been rescued from obscurity, ensuring that their unique flavors and stories will not be forgotten. His work serves as a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in safeguarding our agricultural heritage.
For Brown, every lost apple he finds and revives is another victory against time—a chance to bring back a piece of the past and share it with the future. And as long as he has the energy to search, he will continue his journey through the orchards and backroads of Appalachia, seeking out the next hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
