By Dena Martin
The Times
Lost Apple Detective Plans Return Visit
David Benscoter is hopeful to discover lost apple varieties in local orchards
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October 12, 2017
Courtesy Photo
"Apple Detective" David Benscoter collects apples from a local tree during his visit to the Waitsburg area last month. Benscoter plans to return later this month when more apples are ripe.
WAITSBURG – David Benscoter, aka the Lost Apple Detective, had a productive trip to Waitsburg last month and is already looking forward to a return visit, according to Kate Hockersmith, who spearheaded his visit.
A large crowd showed up to support Benscoter at a fundraising dinner held at Ten Ton Press in Waitsburg on Sat., Sept. 30. The Columbia County Extension Office provided Sauerkraut Stew and Warren Orchards provided apple tasting and apple cider. Switchgrass Delta entertained the crowd with their bluegrass playlist.
"We had lots of great donations for a silent auction and altogether, between food, cider, the auction, and donations, raised over $500 for The Lost Apple Project, which is part of the Whitman County Historical Society," Hockersmith said.
Following the fundraiser, history and apple enthusiasts joined Benscoter at the Lions Club Building at the fairgrounds to learn more about the apple industry in Washington as well as eastern Washington history.
Earlier on Saturday, Tom Land and Carla Rose joined Benscoter and Hockersmith to explore Jasper Mountain in search of old apple orchards. Hockersmith had arranged site visits with landowners, which did not disappoint.
"Dave found interesting trees in most of the orchards he visited and took samples to be identified by apple experts. He found several trees that were not quite ripe yet, and hopes to come back the end of October to check those again," Hockersmith said.
On Sunday, Benscoter scouted up Lewis Gulch Road and the north fork of the Touchet River where he took more samples and will likely return as well.
"Dave was quite excited about our area's apple trees. He thinks we may have lost apple varieties in these old orchards!" Hockersmith said.
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