The women peeled, cored, and sliced the seemingly endless supply of apples. The sliced apples were strung like popcorn strings and hung above or close to the wood stove where the heat dried the apples in a couple of days. They could then be stored in a box and used over the winter in pies, cakes, or even eaten by themselves. If people did not plan ahead for winter and did not dry apples or other fruit, they did without fruit until next year. Equipment needed for drying apples include apples, paring knives, bowls, thread, needles, and buttons.
Students peel, core, and slice the apples into medium size pieces.
Before stringing apples, a button should be tied to the end of the string so the apple pieces will stay on the string. Hang the apples close to a heat source, such as a radiator, so they will harden in a couple of days. They will become mushy, perhaps moldy, if not near heat. Before using, soak them in water for a few hours or overnight. Before radio and television people often spent spare time in the parlor or living room playing games.