SO13_cvrDon’t you want to grab one of the crisp red apples that grace the cover of the September/October issue of American Spirit*? Our feature takes readers through the history of how apples became “our democratic fruit.” Just as they set down their own roots on American soil, settlers bringing seeds to the New World in 1620 carefully nurtured the fruit-bearing trees, and it wasn’t long before apples became a staple of the nation’s diet. Today they’re a unique symbol of our cultural heritage.

Revolutionary spirit (often aided by a “flagon,” or pitcher, of apple cider) certainly was fomented in Colonial taverns. We talk with members of Flagon and Trencher, a lineage society that celebrates tavern keepers licensed prior to 1776 and honors their spicy ancestors’ unique contributions to the Revolution.

The Historic Homes department visits a former Colonial tavern now preserved as a modern home. Trabue’s Tavern in Midloathian, Va., had been in the Trabue family since it was built in 1730 and once was owned by Lt. John Trabue, a Revolutionary Patriot. After a 50-year break in the family line of ownership, Karen Trabue Scherzer and her family have reclaimed the Trabue tenure.

Visions of America surveys historic post office buildings around the country, including some with gorgeous murals and sculpture commissioned during the Great Depression. Sadly, some of these architecturally significant buildings are in jeopardy of being closed or sold. Our feature showcases a few that have been preserved and remain an integral part of their communities.

*For more than a decade, Hammock has been honored to assist the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in publishing their award-winning magazine. Anyone can subscribe here.