Vintage Virginia Apples

SHOCKLEY has the synonyms Dixie, Waddel Hall and Waddle Hall. There are a number of strains, notably the Cantrell and the Grizzle. Likely, the apple originated with a man named Shockley in Jackson County, Georgia, and was exhibited at the Georgia State Fair in 1852. The fruit ranges from small to large in size on the tree, and is roundish, conical in shape. The yellowish-green skin is very smooth, and flushed a light- to dark-red with reddish stripes on the unflushed area. There are conspicuous yellow dots over most of the surface, and the basin cavity is russeted, but little russet shows elsewhere on the fruit. The yellowish flesh of this dessert apple is crisp with a sweet, rich, slightly vinous flavor. The tree growth is vigorous and upright, and it bears heavily annually, but is subject to cedar apple rust, and under certain conditions, rot, especially late in the summer, can be a problem. At one time in Virginia, it was the one variety selected for making apple preserves, because it would hold its shape. Shockley stores extremely well and ripens in October. It is an exceptional pollinator for other varieties, especially the Ribston Pippin.