Peach, Dewberry, Melon Crops on Moore County Farms, June 1921

Around 50 cars of early peaches have gone to market already this season, or as much as the entire output of the entire summer not longer than five or six years ago. Few people even in the country realize the way in which the orchards of Moore county have grown, and the way they are growing. It is estimated that 800 cars will be moved before the season is closed, and the fruit that is to go is the better kind. Next year a lot of new orchards will be coming in and the product will be proportionately bigger. What this peach crop is doing this year for Moore county is very apparent. The money it will bring in will be highly appreciated.

With the peaches a fair crop of dewberries goes out, but this is not a real dewberry year. The spring frosts and cold weather hurt the crop. Good prices have done much to offset the small crop, and an average of around $7 or perhaps better will make up for some of the shortage. It is pretty evident that new vineyards will be planted this summer and fall as the dewberry is a money maker, and it can be handled without so much work and risk as some of the other crops.

Another crop that is finding favor in this part of the state is the honeydew melon. Odgen (Ogden?) Jones last year made a success with several acres between Vass and Southern Pines, and this summer he has about 40 acres in this crop. Several others are planting them, and also other varieties of the big cantaloupes, and it is predicted that here will be an extensive new staple before very long. Moore county can make the ordinary cantaloupes to the Queen’s taste and Mr. Jones says he made a variety of honeydews that were received with the highest favor in the markets and at high prices. That being the case, the world is ours if we go after it. Vass farmers will be wise to keep an eye on the experiments now going on, and to add this crop to their list next year if it works out well.

From The Pilot, Vass, N.C., June 17, 1921