HEBRON – Local historian Ben Conant recently spoke to the Hebron Historical Society on the history of the apple industry in the area from the late 18th century to the 1930s.

He covered the early experimentation in developing marketable varieties. He explained how the Maine Pomological Society formed in 1873 to assist growers in obtaining markets and improve growing techniques.

Most farms in the area had apple trees as the local soil and topography were exceptionally suitable for superior production.

Conant’s grandfather, Albert Conant, and several brothers formed the Oxford Bears Fruit Growers Association in 1911 for the purpose of shipping and promoting high quality apples. Barrels of apples were transported by train for shipment to England where higher prices could be obtained.

Another Hebron association formed in 1913 was the Indian Head Fruit Growers to include the families of Bearce, Nelson and Merrill, which also shipped apples to markets in England.

A third organization formed later was ANDROXO, which included the families of Perry, Pierce and Wallingford. Overseas shipping from Hebron declined in the 1930s with stronger competition from Nova Scotia, but stateside demand for quality apples has sustained a continuing local industry.

The next society meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the town office and will feature Hebron Academy 30-year teacher and archivist David Stonebraker, who will speak on the legendary Charles Dwyer and his wife. Dwyer was a teacher, coach and athletic director over a 50-year span at the academy beginning in 1908. The meeting will be open to the public.