Collection SummaryThis collection brings together information about Maria Ann Smith (nee Sherwood) aka 'Granny' Smith. Explore her life and legacy.Story
The term 'Granny Smith' apple is so ubiquitous, that it may come as a surprise to know that there was a real woman responsible for the apple: Maria Ann Smith (nee Sherwood). And yes, she was a grandmother.
Born and married in England, she sailed to New South Wales in 1838 with her husband Thomas and her young family.
As an orchardist in the food bowl of Eastwood, the first 'Granny Smith' apple grew on her land. Whether it was by chance or design, recognition of that event came fifty years later when there was discussion of how to honour that achievement: a plaque? a drinking fountain? something else?
Nearly 90 years after her death, the idea of a festival was acted upon when, in 1957, 5000 onlookers watched the first ever Granny Smith festival parade make its way along Rowe Street at Eastwood. Now the annual festival attracts over 100,000 people.
What's her greatest legacy? Her descendants? The juicy green apple? Or the fact that she represents the many hundreds of thousands of emigrants who came to these shores in search of a better life. Probably all three ...
