People vs. machines

Apple Peeler Contest 2008

In the olden days, yes before I was born---in the 1800’s, people used to “put up” fruit for the winter. They used apples for kettles of applesauce, lots of delicious pies and dried apple slices. Each apple had to be peeled—so many inventors wanted to ease the workload. Hundreds of inventors came up with mechanical peelers to make the job go faster. Ed Languish of Albany County has been collecting these gems for years. This year he’ll be displaying some of his mechanical peeling machines at the Altamont Fair. (August 12-17).

But is the machine really better than a man? Can a woman create a longer peel than a machine? Can a child peel a trip of shiny red apple that is longer than his/her Mom’s? We’ll answer these questions and more daily at the Agricultural Building at the Altamont Fair. Individuals will be able to publicly peel an apple for the longest strips. (Contests daily at 3pm and 6:30 )Mr. Languish will demonstrate his handcranked machine apple stripping. Will you try it? Will you win? Sign up early at the Agricultural Building each day. There will be ribbons. Albany County orchards will be donating fruit gift certificates to the winners.

We will supply the apples and the peelers. You supply the expertise.

Who can peel the longest strip from the apple? In one piece? Will it be you??