News from Cellar Door Books

Several months ago we wrote of Tasha Tudor's great-grandfather and his garden efforts on the Nahant, Mass., peninsula. Another entry from the History of Essex County, Massachusetts ... by Hurd, 1888 (v. 2, page 1421) reads thus (Victorian prose intact):

In the Boston Journal of October 5, 1858, is the following interesting account of cider-making on the premises of Mr. Tudor:

"Cider and Perry-Making at Nahant"

"The first event in the above event in our peninsular history occurred last week upon the premises of Frederic Tudor, Esq. By invitation, kindly extended to all the inhabitants, a large party met on the afternoon of Saturday, the 2d of October inst. Cider, perry (made from the juice of the pear) and merry-making conviviality and good feeling generally were the order of the day. Here were gathered in abundance the rich fruits of the earth.   The first cider-mill ever seen in Nahant was put in operation, and the first cider was received from the hand of Mr. Tudor by the oldest inhabitant (Uncle Caleb), and drank with an appropriate toast.

"The delicious beverage ran freely from the press, and was as freely dealt out to the multitude, who, by smiling faces and pleasant remarks evinced their appreciation of its merits. Then followed the manufacture of perry, which was universally pronounced 'most excellent.' In addition to two barrels of cider distributed at the gathering, and near a barrel of perry, six or seven other barrels of cider are yet to be made, and large quantities of fall and winter apples and pears are yet to be gathered.

"Some interesting and appropriate remarks were made upon the occasion by Mr. Hammond, who addressed the party in response to a call. Allusion was made to present condition of Nahant in regard to fruit, &c, as compared to a few years since, when, under the auspices of Mr. Tudor, fruit and ornamental trees were introduced and their culture encouraged and promoted. Then Nahant was comparatively barren, unsheltered from the driving storms of winter and the fierce rays of the summer sun; now, the finest varieties of fruits are comparatively abundant, and shaded walks and groves greatly enhance its native attractions.

Some one present produced the Atlantic Monthly for August, from which Mr. Hammond read a portion of an article in which the writer makes disparaging mention of Mr. Tudor's ugly fences and scrubby pear-trees. Suffice it to say that the statement, when brought in contrast with the facts in the case, exhibited altogether a sorry contrast.   No expression of indignation followed, but twice three deafening cheers for Mr. Tudor gave evidence of the prevailing feeling.

"Retiring from the scene of cider-making, the party, each provided (even to the ladies) with a bottle of pure juice of the apple or pear, were conducted by Mr. Tudor to his large garden orchard on the south side of the peninsula.   Here in every direction upon the lap of mother earth and hanging from the trees were the finest of fruit in the greatest abundance. Free to all, "As God gave to me, so give I to you," was the generous sentiment of the host. Here, in eloquent volumes, did those pear-trees pronounce the scrubby epithet a misnomer.

"Wishing to Mr. Tudor length of days in which to enjoy the fruits of his labors, the merry and happy party repaired to their homes, long and gratefully to remember the pleasant and interesting occasion.

"We will state in this connection, Mr. Editor, that there has been gathered on Nahant the present season, by Charles Amory, Esq., twenty barrels of apples; by Caleb Johnson, eight or ten barrels; W.W. Johnson, four barrels; J. W. Page, from many trees, quantity unknown; Francis Johnson, five or six barrels; Walter Johnson, eight or ten barrels; W. R. Johnson, five or six barrels, and a goodly quantity of fine pears; Albert Whitney, many barrels, say eight or ten by estimate; A.Colby expected to gather several barrels; Jonathan Johnson, five or six barrels; Joseph Johnson, about three barrels.

"There has also been gathered a quantity of butternuts and English walnuts. This is pretty fair, considering that the trees are of but a few years' growth.