This unique 501c3 non-profit oversees/funds the operations and programs at Weston's Antique Apple Orchards in New Berlin, WI. Learn.Volunteer.Donate.Enjoy!
WESTON'S ANTIQUE APPLE FOUNDATION supports orchard preservation, apple production, classes, festivals, literature, and more to advance its mission of educating people and continuing to preserve myriad antique apple varieties that are scarcely available today. The Foundation's stewardship fosters WESTON'S ANTIQUE APPLE ORCHARDS, the oldest operating in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. It’s 600+ trees and 150+ varieties of apples, pears, plums, and cherries serve as a living museum for rare heirloom and antique fruits and their history. The Old Church Apple, for example, is grown solely at Weston's and nowhere else in the world. More information on current varieties at https://www.westonapples.com
The Foundation accepts donations and invites volunteers to help in a variety of ways to maintain the orchard and its educational mission. Contact Kenneth Weston for donation or volunteer opportunities: 262 679 2862. The Foundation works in partnership with the Weston family which still sells apples at Farmers Markets in the area and as far as Madison, WI: https://www.facebook.com/search/223617734468650/local_search?surface=tyah
While the orchard and buildings are now city owned and supported by the Foundation, Weston’s Orchards is still a private working operation with all the hazards of a working farm, so always check with a family member or volunteer before visiting during non-business hours. On site apple sales run Sunday afternoons Sept-Nov with limited hours in August and during Historical Society and Weston's Orchards events.
Timeline:
1901: Dutch Colonial Barn Built (existing)
1936: Orchard established by Harvey and Alice Weston (some trees pre-date)
1992: Added to NPS National Register of Historic Places
2003: Foundation established by son of Harvey & Alice Weston, Kenneth Weston, chair. Addt'l members include Ken's sibling, Genevieve Weston; son, Bill Weston; New Berlin Historical Society Chair, Dave Totten; New Berlin Mayor, Dave Ament; more.
2004: Land donated to the City of New Berlin by siblings Kenneth & Genevieve Weston.
What is an Antique Apple?
An antique apple generally predates the widespread use of refrigerated boxcars during the 1940’s for the transportation of produce. Since refrigerated boxcars allow apples to be shipped great distances, varieties with transportation-hardy characteristics gained prominence. Gradually this led to a decline of the varieties available to the consumer. Most antique apples are at least 50 years old. Antique apples are not the products of university variety selection programs and they usually have historical significance. With some of its varieties dating back to ancient Rome, Weston’s showcases the wide variety of colors, flavors, and textures that have been lost over the years.
The mission of the foundation is to support Weston's Antique Apple Orchards in educating people about and continuing to produce myriad antique apple varieties that are scarcely available today. The Foundation's chair, Kenneth Weston sees his family's orchard (now donated to the city of New Berlin) as a living museum and a grand work of art. The foundation accepts donations to maintain the orchard and it's mission.
Antique Apples Varieties! Plus heirloom cherries, pears, plums, and raspberries. Classes in Spring for Pruning, Grafting, & IPM (integrated pest management). Orchard Tours in Fall. Annual Events include AppleFest and Historic Days.
