PIES: A Colorful History
By Brittany Bousquet
New London Main Street Intern
July 27, 2012

In 950 BC they were known as galettes. Then they were called coffins or traps depending on whether or not they had a top crust. Today they are simply called pies.

950 BC marks the first record of a pie. Between 1304 and 1237 BC nuts, honey and fruit were incorporated. Between the 13th and 16th centuries animated pies came into existence. These pies typically held live animals that were released when the pie crust was cut. 1545 marked the appearance of a recipe for a pie; 1553 marked the appearance of a recipe for pastry dough. In 1620 the pilgrims brought pie to America, and in 1623 pumpkin pie appeared at the Pilgrim’s second Thanksgiving. In the 1700s pioneers put pie to good use, and by the 19th century fruit pies were a common breakfast food.

Much like some states have state muffins, some states have state pies. In 1999, Vermont adopted the apple pie as their state pie. In 2006 Florida made the key lime pie their state pie.

The world’s largest pumpkin pie was made in New Bremen, Ohio, on September 26, 2010. It had a diameter of 20 feet and a thickness of three inches. It weighed 30,911 pounds and had a volume of 132,300 cubic inches or 572 gallons. The world’s largest apple pie was made at Hewitts Farm, Chesfield between August 26 and August 27, 1982. It was 40 feet by 23 feet, used 60 bushels of apples and weighed 301,151 pounds or 13.66 tons.

Pies have a multitude of holidays. January 23 is National Pie day and February is Great American Pies month. May 13 is National Apple Pie Day. October has National Boston Cream Pie Day on the 23 and Mince Meat Pie Day on the 26. November 29 is National Lemon Crème Pie Day. And December has National Pumpkin Pie Day on the 25.

If looking for pie locally come to downtown New London. Monica’s State Street Diner has apple, cherry, blueberry and pumpkin pies. These pies are made at Monica’s by Monica. Muddy Waters also offers a variety of pies.

So plan on checking out our selection of pies the next time you’re in New London’s downtown Historic Waterfront District. Also, remember to check back next week for the featured dessert.