I recently talked with Shaun S. about Larry McGraw. I was grafting at the Exchange; I think it was my 3rd year and I was feeling plenty confident. There was the usual crowd around my table when an older man made the comment, "That's the best graft there is!" (a whip & tongue) I don't know that I even looked up, but after he, and quite an entourage walked off, everyone swooped over to tell me I'd just received "the blessing" of Larry McGraw, our Founder! My "Clients" were beaming! Me too!!
Though I wandered the pavilion later that day hoping to finally speak with him, he'd gone home, leaving that as my only encounter with him. I wish I'd have been able to trek over to visit his Orchard...
As a Member for 20 years, much of what I've achieved with my own orchard may directly be credited to his efforts in founding this organization. "Nuts about Fruit," his legacy lives on in my Orchard! In fact, the sun's shinning and I'm heading out there right now - with thoughts of Mr. McGraw.