MOLONG residents have a strong connection to a variety of fruit - the Packham pear.
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This weekend the Molong Historical Society is hosting a two-day event at its museum to focus on the pear which was grafted from two pear trees in the village in 1896 by Charles Henry Packham.
He crossed the Uvedale St Germain or bell variety with a Williams variety to create the Packham triumph pear.
Molong Historical Society president Marie Hammond said the pear is a recognisable symbol and should be celebrated by the village.
Mrs Hammond said after Mr Packham created the variety it rose to prominence after orchardists in the area, including Molong, grew it alongside apples, plums, peaches and other fruit.
Mrs Hammond said although Molong like many other surrounding areas no longer boasts an orchard industry the variety of pear is still an icon.
The promotion of Packham pears has received a kick along in the last couple of weeks with champion cook (and descendant of Charles Packham) Merle Parrish, hosting a fundraising cooking demonstration to raise funds for the Molong Museum.
Mrs Hammond says she hopes people will come along to the exhibition and bring their children so the significance of the Packham pear can continue to be celebrated.
“Everyone is very welcome to attend our exhibition in the museum,” she said.
- Janice Harris