Apple Farmer’s Signs Stir Controversy

(Andy Mack biting into apple)

“That’s a good apple.”

Andy Mack’s family has been in the apple farming business in Londonderry for 350 years.

Like many in this community, his forefathers were politically conservative.

And so was Mack. Until 10 years ago, when, at the age of 63, he became upset with how the Republican party was running – or, in his mind ruining -- the country.

"I became very distressed with the Bush Administration, and I changed my party affiliation from Republican to Democrat then. I guess that’s when I started putting my signs out."

While most business owners shy away from broadcasting their political views, Mack reveled in it.

Each week, motivated by the latest headlines, he would hand-paint a sign and post it alongside his orchards, which run right through the center of town.

The signs took aim at the war in Iraq and global warming and conservative talk radio.

"I’ve been a sign-painter since day one, and so, making up the signs is real easy for me. And then hopefully I’ve got something that’s intelligent, that will make somebody at least think."

That is, think or flare tempers.

In a town where 55 percent of registered voters are Republican, Mack has pushed buttons.

And, it didn’t stop when President Bush left office.

Today, the signs read, “Are we captive to our jobs for healthcare?” and “Choose freedom, choose healthcare for all.”

Many in Londonderry have had enough.

Kathy Wagner is a town councilor.

"I’ve received quite a few phone calls from people, who never complain, asking me what I could do to get them to be taken down, because they were really upset."

Wagner has asked Mack to take down signs during Old Home Days events. At first, he did. But now, the signs stay up.

"I think what has finally been the trigger that has set everybody off is that for years and years everybody just kind of tolerated it, but now it’s getting to the point where it’s consistently happening and I just think people are frustrated. They do start to get ugly after a while."

Some people are so frustrated they are boycotting Mack’s Apples.

Jim Loiselle has lived in Londonderry for 12 years.

"Since he started with the messages, I personally have not shopped at that farm and neither has my family."

As a conservative, Loiselle finds the signs offensive.

"Last year he had a sign criticizing President Bush, which is fine, but the sign placed directly across from an elementary school had what looked like red blood dripping out of the word ‘Bush.’"

Alienating customers isn’t his goal, Mack says, But he is aware that provocation may come with a cost.

"I’m discussing that with my help all the time. All most all my help is Republican. They don’t complain, but when I ask them they say it does hurt business."

But Mack’s activism may also yield benefits. During the 2008 election he twice hosted Barack Obama. Those events drew big crowds, full of people unlikely to be offended by his signs, and who hung on Candidate Obama’s every word.

"I am extraordinarily grateful to Andy Mack and Mack’s apples, we are so grateful for his support."

But while politics may hang over Mack’s orchard, for most customers it’s not the main thing.

Elsa Conroy, a teacher in Londonderry passes the Orchard every day. She says sometimes she agrees with Mack’s signs, and sometimes she doesn’t. What she always likes though, is what he grows.

"The apples are terrific the other produce. And it’s a good location."

For NHPR News, I’m Robin Respaut in Londonderry.