story and photo
by Alexis Ann

North Stonington Congregational Church Pie Ladies (l-r) Janet Lewis and Janetha Sander, proud pie makers.

At the North Stonington Congregational Church, on Main Street, a group of hard-working women are in the kitchen coring apples, rolling dough and creating handmade pies, right down to the boxes that you take them home in.  “It’s a Fall Pie Festival,” says Janetha Sander, this year’s head pie lady.

“It’s been a tradition in North Stonington for years…dating back to my father’s time,” pipes in Barbara Gildersleeve.  She tells the story of her dad, Ken Spaulding, who was a longtime church member. “My dad liked pies so he asked some of the women from the Congregation if they would make him a pie.”  So, Neil Peart, the famous musician, had it right but in this case, it was the women who impressed the man.

So, you might say that, Ken’s request was the spark that ignited a tradition of pie making in the historic village of North Stonington raising $15,000 for the church fund last year.

“Men help, too,” informs Barbara.  “They pick the apples, help make the boxes and mop the floor.”

You can buy these delicious pies everyday during Thanksgiving week, 9 until noon.  If you’d like to order ahead, call 860.535.0379 or 860.535.2022.

Mark your calendars for December 5th, 10 – 3p.m.   It’s the North Stonington Bazaar and luncheon served with a huge variety of desserts and accompanied by piano music.  Save some of your Holiday Shopping as you’ll find plenty of homemade jams, jellies, food gifts, ornaments, wreaths and more!