[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1251-E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOHNNY APPLESEED ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th 
anniversary of the Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival in 
Leominster, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
  Mr. Speaker, most of us know the story of Johnny Appleseed. I grew up 
hearing about his travels across the country--an American folk hero, 
who was said to wander barefoot while wearing a tin pot hat and 
carrying a sack of apples with him to help promote the growth of apple 
trees everywhere he went.
  What many people do not know is that Johnny Appleseed's story is 
based on the life of a real man--John Chapman.

[[Page E1252]]

  On September 26, 1774, John Chapman was born in Leominster, 
Massachusetts. Taught by his father from a young age, Chapman became an 
orchardist and nurseryman.
  Since frontier law allowed anyone to lay claim to land through the 
development of a permanent homestead, Chapman traveled over 100,000 
square miles. All the while, he planted apple seeds as he walked.
  At the time of his death on March 11, 1845, John Chapman owned over 
1,200 acres of land from Massachusetts all the way to Illinois.
  Every year since 1993, thousands of people have gathered in 
Leominster to celebrate the life and work of John Chapman.
  Through live music, and of course, apple crisp, the festival aims to 
inspire and educate the public about Johnny Appleseed's important ties 
to Central Massachusetts. And just as importantly, it offers a chance 
for our community to come together and celebrate our shared heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the communities in Central 
Massachusetts, I'd like to offer a sincere ``thank you'' to the 
hardworking volunteers and organizers--who make this event such a 
success every year. I'd especially like to thank Leominster City 
Councilor Rick Marchand, who has organized the event for the last 20 
years.
  Johnny Appleseed is a treasured national figure that we in Central 
Massachusetts are proud to share. I commend the Johnny Appleseed 
Festival on its 25th anniversary and am proud of all they do to make 
this such a beloved annual event.

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