The Last Fruit Tree...

While checking out various developments on Buffalo's East side recently, I noticed this apple tree on Locust Street in the Fruit Belt.

We spent a few hours scouring the entire Fruit Belt and MJ and I quickly realized that this lone apple tree is the last remaining "fruit tree" in the Fruit Belt. At the trees's base we noticed a few bushels of these rotten apples.

James Napora, a local Buffalo historian, describes the Fruit Belt as follows.

At one time home to over 10.000 people, the Fruit Belt takes its name from the large number of orchards the first residents planted in the area. Holding true to their previously established agrarian nature, the earliest German residents of the area planted large orchards and vegetable gardens in the area. As their numbers increased, in these orchards were laid out the present streets, the names themselves remaining as a testimony to the early nature of the neighborhood.

Today, the Fruit Belt more closely resembles a compost pile of failed urban design and planning. Maybe we should consider renaming the neighborhood. Any thoughts...

Oh, and 204 High Street is still available. Hurry! It won't last...

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