The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 710 - Johnny Appleseed - live
Nov 18, 2025
Comedians explore the quirky life of Johnny Appleseed, who was not just a planter of trees but a fervent advocate of Swedenborgian beliefs. They delve into his unique planting style and his role in supplying cider for frontier festivities. From his barefoot lifestyle and eccentric attire to his compassion for animals, Johnny's character shines through. His relationships with settlers and Native Americans, along with tales of his midnight heroics during the War of 1812, paint a complex picture of this legendary figure.
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Orchards As Settlement Proof
- The Ohio Company required settlers to plant apple and peach trees to prove they intended to stay.
- Chapman exploited this by planting nurseries and selling or gifting trees, shaping frontier settlement patterns.
Seed Planting Over Grafting Rationale
- Chapman preferred planting apple seeds rather than grafting because he believed trees felt pain.
- Seeds produced bitter, acidic apples suited to cider and distilling, not table fruit.
Apples For Cider, Not Dessert
- Chapman planted orchards optimized for cider production, not eating apples.
- Frontier demand for cider made his bitter, acidic varieties valuable for distilleries and community alcohol supply.
