Eric Sloane, Heirloom Apples, and Cider

I recently received a request from Peter S. Montgomery of Warren, Connecticut.  Peter’s project is an important one – if you have some information that can help Peter in his efforts, please post it here.  Thank you!

“Greetings from Warren, former home of Eric Sloane.

I am working on a project E.S. would have approved of: increasing public awareness of CT’s heirloom apples and saving those that can be found, then having scions cut and trees grafted.  That said, I was reviewing 1955 first editions of his works and could not find a specific reference, but did find the sketch of the apple orchard tools on another site.  Are you aware of any of his writings on farm life, cidering and orchard keeping which might be used in my efforts and, if so, what were his comments?”

http://www.common-place.org/vol-13/no-04/walthausen/

          This scholarly glimpse into the literary body of work produced by Eric Sloane crossed my desk the other day. Writing in Common –Place, an online journal sponsored by the American Antiquarian Society and the University of Connecticut, author Abigail Walthausen provides some much needed context for Eric’s literary inspiration. In my opinion, there is truth in much of Ms. Walthausen writes, but I have come to view Eric Sloane’s artistic inspirations in a somewhat different light. Much of what Eric was trying to convey in his works on paper and on Masonite was, ironically, an acknowledgement our nation’s progress. This acknowledgement was couched in a philosophical look at loss, and it is that ethos of loss that seems to permeate Sloane’s works. Yes, America has progressed greatly since the founding of our nation, but what have we – individually and collectively – lost during this period? It’s a bold and a somewhat impertinent question the artist asked. It is the question, however, that makes Eric’s point that he was not “longing for a better past” or simply “nostalgic”, but his exploration was more nuanced, more complex.

Eric Sloane and New England Stone

Eric Sloane and New England Stone

Traditional New England stone walls…

sloane stone walls 3

…Learn how to build one.

Join master wall builder Carl Dill on the grounds of the Eric Sloane Museum of Kent, CT

Classes Held:  5/9, 5/16, 7/25 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day.  $50.oo course fee registers you for one class date of your choice.  Spaces are limited.  Additional class dates TBA throughout the summer.

Special Event:  5/17 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Book signing, lecture, and stone wall tour by Robert Thorson, author of Stone by Stone and Exploring Stone Walls:  A Field Guide to New England’s Stone Walls.  This event is free, sponsored by the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum.  Robert will be signing books.  Bring yours or purchase one new at the event (proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Eric Sloane Museum).

More Information:  Barb Russ, the Eric Sloane Museum 860-927-3849

                                            Jeff Bischoff, Friends board member 203-252-1321

Class Information Session 4/11 @ 9 a.m. in the Kent Town Hall with Instructor Robert Dill.  This session is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about the stone wall building courses to be held throughout the summer and fall of 2015.  Refreshments will be served.

The 2015 season at the Eric Sloane Museum is devoted to Eric Sloane and New England Stone.  Please join us in celebration of the stone wall architecture of New England.