Chapman Catt house gives out a bumper crop of apples

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

It was a perfect weekend for apple picking as the Carrie Chapman Catt Girlhood Home invited the community out to get their fill of homegrown apples.

Along with preserving the childhood home of the historical voting rights activist, the 19th Amendment Society also maintains an orchard of apple trees that this year were packed with fruit.

“This is our best apple crop in 10 or 15 years,” said volunteer Mike Downey. “The trees are so full the kids don’t need ladders or anything.”

Marking the end of the summer season for the museum, dozens of families came out to pick out McIntosh, Haralson, Honey Gold, Cortland and other apple varieties. Saturday afternoon drew in a steady crowd as the cider press offered kids the chance to make their own fresh apple cider. Some visiting families even came from out of state to stop by for the weekend event.

“It couldn’t have gone better,” said Downey.

To make sure everybody gets a chance at this year’s crop, visitors were limited to two bags of apples over the weekend. Starting today, though, anybody is welcome to stop by the apple orchard and collect as many of the remaining apples on the trees as they can carry.

While no tours were scheduled, visitors were also free to check out the museum to learn about Carrie Chapman Catt and how she lived growing up outside of Charles City.

Regular summer hours for the museum are over, but pre-arranged tours can be accommodated throughout the fall.