Fruit tree cultivation was once a major part of family farming in Litchfield. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many families kept small orchards on their land. Although apple trees are not native to North America, they became an important part of the homestead because they provided nutritious fruit and surplus apples could be preserved or made into cider, applejack, or cider vinegar. Tapping Reeve's probate records mention a 6.5-acre orchard lot and a cyder mill. On North Street, Julius Deming's orchard had sixty-five apple trees, a sizable crop for a family farm, and the Wolcott family also owned a large orchard. Local lore held that Frederick Wolcott had most of the trees cut down after local youths stole his apples, including one who brought a bag of stolen fruit to Wolcott's home and offered it for sale. After land was cleared, it was commonly enclosed with a fence or stone wall to mark boundaries, separate spaces, and contain livestock, and Litchfield residents used many styles depending on the function needed and the available materials and labor.