The Allegheny mountains contain a rich history of apple orchards and cider making. In addition to apples like Winesap, Limbertwig, York Imperial, and Gilpin, Bath County was home to many family apples, apples that never entered the nursery trade but carried deep cultural connections. Cora Gilmore was born enslaved in Mountain Grove, experienced Emancipation, purchased land from her enslavers, and worked as a midwife to Black and white women into the 20th century. Two family apples bear her name—Aunt Cora’s Yard Apple and Aunt Cora’s Field Apple. A investigation of Gilmore’s apples leads to a complex and nuanced history of the county and our region.
Celebrating the launch of the new paperback edition of Diane Flynt’s Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived, this evening brings together orchardist and author Diane Flynt, cidermaker Will Hodges, and several Mountain Grove residents with connections to Cora Gilmore. Together, they’ll explore the history behind the region’s apples and the family stories that have carried these apples through generations. Sample locally grown apples, learn what DNA reveals about two Bath County family apples, and enjoy Troddenvale Cider while hearing stories and memories from families connected to Cora Gilmore and Mountain Grove.
Ticket cost includes a glass of cider. Dinner will be available for purchase in the North Stable from 4–8pm. Join us in the Hayloft at 5:30pm for cider and conversation, with the talk beginning at 6pm.
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