The Prince’s Apples
A gift of Yakima-grown fruit is carefully packed for delivery to the Iron Chancellor of Germany.
When Henry Villard recently visited Yakima, a hastily gathered display of fruits and vegetables was made for the delectation of that great potentate of blind pools and his friends, and it made them open their eyes in astonishment at the wonderful capabilities of the soil and resources of this country. Mr. Villard was especially pleased at the apples shown and expressed himself to the effect that he had never seen any that equalled them. That a deep impression was made on him was evidenced this week when D. E. Lesh received an order from him, through Paul Schulze, for four boxes of apples. The apples are to be wrapped in tissue and carefully packed to be taken by Mr. Villard to Germany and presented to Prince Bismarck. No greater compliment could be paid to this section and Yakima naturally feels somewhat proud of the fact that her worth is beginning to be appreciated.
“No greater compliment could be paid to this section and Yakima naturally feels somewhat proud of the fact that her worth is beginning to be appreciated.”
This story captures the late 19th-century 'booster' era, where the town's identity was tied to proving its agricultural worth to global elites. The link between local Yakima fruit and European royalty marks a moment when the frontier transitioned into a serious global export market.
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