Ivan Bartlett and The Bartlett Pear

The California Bartlett Pear
The famed Bartlett pear originated in Berkshire, England in the late 17th century, by a schoolmaster named John Stair. Stair sold a few of his pear tree cuttings to a Mr. Williams, who further refined it and renamed it after himself. The "Williams" pear, which is still used to make the legendary pear brandy "Poire William", crossed the Atlantic with the Quakers who adapted it to the table.

The pleasing Quaker pear found fame and fortune in 1812, through the good offices of nurseryman Enoch Bartlett, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, who unaware of its true name, distributed it under his own name. Ever since, the pear has been known as the Bartlett- at least on this side of the Atlantic. The "Bartlett" went West next, in the covered wagons of the settlers and prospectors headed for the California Gold Rush. Thus, at the turn of the 20th century, it finally found the ideal climate in which to flourish.

And then there is Ivan Bartlett of tablecloth fame. Persimmon, Ivory and Chocolate Post 86 Fiesta, Fiestaware 2000 mugs and dinner plate in Persimmon, vintage Fiesta Ensemble glassware, Cityscape flatware.