Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Evening Program on Cape Cod Banana Pioneer Lorenzo Dow Baker

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News Release Date: July 10, 2012
Contact: Sue Haley, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421

When Wellfleet's Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker returned to Boston from a voyage to Jamaica he brought a hold full of a fruit previously unknown to New Englanders; the banana. Join former history professor Randy Bartlett, Ph. D, for a free, one hour presentation about this fascinating Wellfleet resident at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 17 at Salt Pond Visitor Center.  

Bananas quickly took off in popularity after they were introduced to Bostonians. Lorenzo began a fruit shipping business called the Boston Fruit Company which would eventually become United Fruit, precursor to the company we know today as Chiquita. Before the end of his life Baker would come to own a number of banana plantations throughout Central America and a hotel in Jamaica.

 This program is part of the annual "Tuesday Evening Series" at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Held weekly at 7:00 PM in July and August in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages. Programs are free of charge and accessible. The series is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and staff is available to assist with activity planning. Stop by and visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh and shop in the gift store featuring interpretive items such as books, maps, puzzles, and games. For more information about the seashore's programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

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