LANCASTER — When one hears the term "the big apple," New York City immediately comes to mind. But for those living in Central Massachusetts, another apple comes to mind. Sitting along Route 2, there is a giant red apple, the largest in New England, standing about 10 feet tall and weighing more than 1,000 pounds. At that size, it's said to be large enough to hold more than 20,000 apples inside.
"When most people step inside the visitor center, we get a lot of questions," said Sabbra Reyes, assistant manager of the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center. "They're expecting an actual edible apple and I have to point them back outside to the big apple."
This particular apple is more than just a huge piece of fruit, but instead represents Central Massachusetts' strong agricultural heritage and connection to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, the official folk hero of the state.
"People just love the apple. I have photos of people hugging it, kissing it, laying underneath it, you name it," said Diana Burnette, manager of the visitor center. She's been in the role for the last 17 years and has been a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce for the last 27 years.
"I got a call from a local farm who told me they were given this huge apple and didn't have the space for it. When they asked if we wanted it for the visitors center, I didn't hesitate," she said.
The visitor center and rest stop are more than just the home of New England's largest apple.
"The big apple is just one of the items that really showcases the entire region of 27 communities," said Roy Nascimento, president and CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. "It's open 361 days a year from 9 to 5."
The site is home to a number of historical items honoring Chapman and the Appleseed story, including a bronze statue of the legend himself. Inside there are memorabilia, cultural artifacts connected to the region and display cases full of history.
"When I first got this job, my husband bought me a jeweled apple. Since that first apple, the collection has really grown, with gifts from him, and then the public. So much of it has come from the public," Burnette said, adding her favorite item on display is a Johnny Appleseed German nutcracker.
"People find things in their attic and think of us, we're all very proud of the visitors center and our goal is to get the community to really notice what's in our own backyard," she said.
Most recently, the visitor center was gifted a small building, one similar to what Chapman may have lived in during his lifetime.
There are also 91 apple trees on the property, with at least two are said to be direct descendants from trees planted by Chapman.
"We really try and discourage eating any of the apples on those trees," Reyes said. "They're not meant for eating, they're extremely bitter. Instead, we offer every single visitor a free apple, donated by a local farm."
"I love those apple trees," Burnette added. "They're heirloom trees, they cannot be replaced."
Born in Leominster in 1774, Chapman would have turned 250 years old on Sept. 26. The city holds an annual weekslong celebration honoring the icon, including a festival, scavenger hunt and parade. It's safe to say the city loves their homegrown celebrity, naming a plethora of places after the folk hero.
While many know the stories of Johnny Appleseed, the history books have left some of the most important details out. Yes, Chapman planted acres upon acres of apple orchards across the United States. But those apples weren't meant for eating, they were meant for drinking. Hard apple cider was America's drink of choice in the early 1800s, not to mention safer than water for those exploring the Western frontier.
During this time, it's believed the average settler drank 10.52 ounces of hard cider per day.
The visitor center had plans to partner with a local farm to produce a batch of cider from the apples descended from Chapman's original trees. However, due to this year's weather the apple crop was too poor for an attempt. Hopefully next year will bring a better crop, Burnette said.
After Chapman's death in 1845, many of his orchards followed soon after. Then during Prohibition, the FBI began chopping down what was left of Chapman's cider legacy. In 1948, Appleseed was reintroduced to the American public through the Disney feature Melody Time, completing the image of a barefoot Appleseed, running around the United States with a sack of perfectly ripe apples ready to be eaten.
Rich, who would not disclose his last name, is originally from Arkansas and now lives in Fairhaven. He and his wife were just passing through when they stopped at the visitor center.
"I'm not from around these parts," he said in a thick accent. "But yeah, it's pretty cool about Johnny Appleseed, who knew!"
Many visitors, like Rich, are simply driving through and stopping simply to use the restroom. During a visit to the rest stop, several visitors pulled in, exited their vehicles and waddled quickly inside, before exiting with a sigh of relief.
"We really want this rest stop and visitor center to be the best in the state," Nascimento said, adding that each Saturday during the fall, the visitor center showcases local talent or entertainment, whether that's an artist, musician, or a visit from a local alpaca farm.
By the end of the year, the visitors center will also have six new charging stations to keep those driving electric vehicles powered-up.
"The pride that these communities take in the visitor center is unbelievable," he said. "So much of what we've accomplished is only possible because of them."
Taking a look around the inside of the visitor center, nestled in among the region's history are local produce, jams, jellies, honey, soap and items made from alpaca hair, all for sale. One of their best sellers are dried apple chips, which come in a variety of flavors.
"Once a year, we get this bus from Indiana," Reyes said with a laugh. "That's where Chapman died, in Fort Wayne, so Indiana also has this strong tie with him. When this bus comes, all the passengers get out, we open a bag of apple chips and they shop for the Massachusetts-versions of memorabilia."
Chapman's 250th birthday celebration runs through Oct. 12 with various events around town. If you're looking to celebrate Appleseed in style, the Visitor Center on Route 2 and Sholan Farms, the last working apple orchard in Leominster, will be serving up slices of birthday cake on Sept. 26.
T&G engagement editor Sarah Barnacle is getting to know Central Mass. by exploring some of the best places to go and things to do in Worcester County. If you have an idea or suggestion, please emailsbarnacle@gannett.com.
