Founder's Day celebration moved to June 18
Fishkill Farms to highlight connection with FDR
In the spring of 1915, a fierce battle broke out between two prominent young guns within Dutchess County society.
One was 23-year-old Vincent Astor of Rhinebeck, whose father, businessman John Jacob Astor IV, was one of the world's richest men — that is, until his death aboard the Titanic.
The other was Henry Morgenthau Jr. of Wiccopee, the 23-year-old son of Henry Morgenthau, ambassador to what is now Turkey.
Both men had purchased thousands of apple trees for their respective farms. At stake was the title of "Apple King" of Dutchess County, according to reports in the Poughkeepsie Eagle-News, a predecessor to the Poughkeepsie Journal.
It's unclear who won the battle. But 101 years later, only Morgenthau's enterprise continues today as a business, now known as Fishkill Farms and run by Morgenthau's grandson, Josh Morgenthau.
On June 18, the farm will honor its founder and his connection to the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration as part of a 125th birthday celebration.
Henry Morgenthau was friends with Roosevelt and later served as his treasury secretary.
The farm he purchased in 1913 now includes 45 acres of apples and 30 acres of diverse vegetable plantings. The family also grows peaches, nectarines, black currants, cherries and pumpkins.
The Founder's Day celebration will include exhibits of historic memorabilia, including original war bonds posters, playful letters between Roosevelt and Morgenthau and photos from the Morgenthau family archive and the Roosevelt library.
The organizers will also screen home videos that include a crucial wartime meeting between Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Morgenthau that took place at the farm.
The event will feature music, a pig roast, wagon rides, wine tastings and other activities.
John Ferro: 845-437-4816; jferro@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @PoJoEnviro
If you go
What: Fishkill Farms Founder's Day Celebration
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18
Where: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction
Cost: Tickets are $6 in advance, $9 at the door. Purchase advance tickets at https://goo.gl/PhfRm7
Info: Call 845-897-4377