Frankford

Pear

Frankford

Origin/History

Originated on the premises of Eli Merkins, near Frankford, Philadelphia. Described by Elliott (1865) as "a new fruit, and said to be an acquisition." Thomas (1903) treats Frankford as synonymous with Bleeker's Meadow.

Tree

Not described in source.

Fruit

Size and Form: Medium in size. Shape roundish, sometimes inclining to pyriform, not infrequently obovate.

Stem: Rather short, thick, and fleshy at its termination. Inserted in a small cavity.

Cavity: Small.

Calyx: Medium, open.

Basin: Shallow, moderately wide.

Skin: Yellow, containing many russet dots, especially towards the crown; occasionally showing a faint blush on the part exposed to the sun.

Flesh and Flavor: Fine texture and buttery. Flavor exceedingly rich, with a delicious aroma. Quality rated "best."

Core/Seeds: Not described in source.

Season

November.

Uses

Not described in source.

Subtypes/Variants

Not described in source.

Other

Elliott's description is attributed to the Indiana Report ("Int. Rept."), indicating the characterization was drawn from that source rather than Elliott's personal observation.

Book Sources

Described in 2 period pomological works

View original book sources (2)

Frankford.

Origin, on the premises of Eli Merkins, near Frankford, Philadelphia. A new fruit, and said to be an acquisition. Size, medium, roundish, sometimes inclining to pyriform, not unfrequently obovate ; skin, yellow, containing many russet dots, especially towards the crown, and having occasionally a faint blush on the part exposed to the sun ; stalk, rather short, thick, and fleshy at its termination, inserted in a small cavity ; calyx, medium, open, set in a shallow, moderately wide basin; flesh, fine texture and buttery : flavor, exceedingly rich, with a delicious aroma ; quality, "best." November. (Int. Rept.)

— F.R. Elliott, The Western Fruit Book (1865)

Frankford. See Bleeker's Meadow.

— John J. Thomas, The American Fruit Culturist (1903)

Bleeker's Meadow Heidelberg Large Seckel Meadow Feaster Poire de la Prairie de Bleecker Prairie de Bleecker Spiee Butter Bleecker's Meadow Bleeker's Meadow Feaster