The Fruits of America (1852)
Charles Mason Hovey

Baldwin Apple

The Baldwin originated in the town of Wilmington, in Middlesex County, about a century ago; and the most correct account of it we have ever read, appeared in the Magazine of Horticulture for 1835, (vol. 1.) The original tree grew on the farm of Mr. John Ball: this farm was situated about three miles southeast of Lowell: Mr. Ball purchased the farm, then wholly uncultivated, about the year 1740, and, not long after, this variety came up in a lane leading from the house to the barn. Its cultivation was confined to the immediate neighborhood for many years, when the late Col. Baldwin, of Woburn, became acquainted with it. He at once perceived its great excellence and brought it into notice, and from him it received its present name. In 1817, the original tree was alive, but, between that period and 1832, it disappeared.

From Woburn, the cultivation of this apple extended to the adjoining towns, and, in West Cambridge and Watertown, the orchards which were planted were chiefly filled with Baldwins. From the period of its first introduction to notice, it has continued to increase in popularity, and, at the present time, notwithstanding the increase of new sorts, the variety which is in the greatest demand with nurserymen, as well as that which is the most sought after in the market, is the Baldwin.