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Missing Monday is your opportunity to help support the Truban Archives by donating historic materials that will help us fill gaps in our collection. 

During the 20th century, Shenandoah County was home to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Apple Orchards like this one. A major part of our local economy and culture, these orchards supported communities, families, local businesses, and a way of life. They also brought outside influences, such as the railroad who came to transport apples and immigrants who were brought here during the harvest season to pick apples.

Since the mid-1990s Shenandoah County’s Apple Industry began to decline. Production began to move to other areas of the country and world due to consolidation, labor costs, trade, etc. Acreage and total production declined as land was sold to developers or transferred to other types of agricultural production.

The history of the Apple Industry in Shenandoah County is an important part of our community narrative. However, due to the small nature of most orchards, the transient nature of many workers, and the decline in production, much of its history has been lost or remains hidden.

As part of our “Missing Monday” project were are highlighting the Archive’s need to collect more materials related to the apple industry. This includes ledgers, business documents, photographs, employment information, and ephemera. Contact Archivist Zachary Hottel to arrange a donation.