Historical Museum set to draw a crowd with Steilacoom’s famous Apple Squeeze

Valerie Ettenhofer
Staff Writer

Children stopping by Steilacoom’s Lafayette Street on October seventh may not know the history behind their shiny caramel apples, but as the day wears on they will have fun learning about it.

The 39th annual Apple Squeeze may act as a fundraiser for the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association, but the original apple pressing event benefited the town’s first school in the early 1900s.

For adults, the history lesson is very literal.

“This year we expect to have 23 or more bins of apples. We also provide the gallon jugs. Customers are assigned to a hand operated press, some antique, some modern, but all needing some elbow grease to operate,” stated Event Chair Marianne Bull.

In decades past, the festival allowed participants to bring apples from surrounding orchards, until a 1990’s health department decision forced a change to pre-bought apples.
Over the years, the Apple Squeeze has evolved from a simple town event to a popular celebration of Washington history with many features of a street fair.

Vendors will line the streets beginning at 10am, with hopes to sell a different sort of ‘apple product’ than most young people are used to. Apple butter, cider, donuts, pie, ice cream, fritters and floats are among the food products available.

Pony rides, storytelling, live music and information areas for those inspired to grow their own fruit trees will continue throughout the day. Historical demonstrations will explore the differences between modern day technology and pioneer tradition.

The event and its food of honor hold a respected place in local culture for more reasons than one.  Next to the annual 4th of July event, it is Steilacoom’s greatest pride.

“It’s more than a fundraiser,” shares Bull. “It ties us together with history. Nathaniel Orr, one of the early pioneers of Steilacoom, traveled west on the Oregon Trail and then learned orchard management before coming to Steilacoom. He was responsible for the historic orchard on the Orr Home property [and] helped plant many orchards throughout the town and on Anderson Island in the late 1800’s.”

If you’re looking for a way to spend a crisp autumn day, the Apple Squeeze is a great way to get in touch with local heritage and try something new.