Bing Cherry (1897)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

   No "Bing cherry" entry is in the OED.
   I'll do better than this (the LOS ANGELES TIMES is a sure bet), but the databases weren't too helpful.

   May 1897, OVERLAND MONTHLY AND OUT WEST MAGAZINE (Making of America-Michigan and American Periodical Series), pg. 500:
   The Black Republican originated in Oregon and cannot be equaled as a shipping fruit.  It is meaty, rich, and highly flavored.  Other varieties, as the Bing, the Lambert, and the Hoskins, have been sent East in small quantities, and sold for fancy prices.  The Hoskins, which originated in Oregon, was the largest sample at the Columbian Exposition and was described in the report of the Secretary of Agriculture for 1893.


FRUITS OF CALIFORNIA; CHERRY VARIETIES
The Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles, Calif.; May 17, 2000; DAVID KARP;
Sub Title:  [Home Edition]
Edition:  Record edition
Start Page:  1
ISSN:  04583035
Abstract:

Bigarreaux. Firm-fleshed, roundish cherries such as Bing and Rainier. Prototype was Yellow Spanish, a 400-year-old variety. Name, from bigarre, meaning mottled, originally referred to yellow fruits with a red blush, such as Royal Ann.

Bing. Seedling of Black Republican named after the Chinese workman who found it at the Lewelling nursery of Milwaukee, Ore., in 1875. Large, very crisp, dark red skin and flesh, complex flavor, aromatic. Midseason. The predominant commercial cherry, 83% of California's crop. Among the best, if well grown.

Black Republican. Seedling of Black Eagle originating in 1860 at the Oregon farm of Seth Lewelling, an ardent abolitionist; name antagonized pro-slavery neighbors. Small to medium, firm, dark red to glossy black, very sweet with a distinguishing smack of astringency. Late season. Excellent flavor, but too small for commerce.