Annie Jasprizza, daughter of Nicole and Bridget, forged a strong link between two of the cherry industries pioneering families when she married Baldo Cunich.
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The passage of time has dulled the recollection of specific dates but it is known Jasprizza sent for his three nephews - Baldo , Andrew and Tony Cunich - to help him with his orchard and vineyard.
Baldo was only 17 when he came to Australia, and after paying for his fare, he landed in Young practically penniless.
He worked for his uncle for many years before Nicole staked him in a share faming venture.
The venture failed and for a time, Baldo, worked as a shearers cook.
Eventually he returned to the Jasprizza orchard.
It was there that he fell in love with Annie and married her.
A gold strike at West Wyalong sent the young couple out seeking their fortune.
For some years Baldo and his wife owned a shop in West Wyalong but the gold petered out and the miners drifted away.
The Cunich family came back to Young and Nicole helped Baldo select 24 acres of scrubland.
It was cleared using no more than a spade, a crow bar and an axe.
The ground was ploughed and cherry trees planted, Baldo planted melons. But success was not to be a simple matter for Baldo Cunich.
Just as the melons were ripening, an enemy entered the orchard and cut every melon to pieces.
But Baldo battled on. With £200 pounds in the bank, he borrowed a further £600 pounds, he purchased a row of shops in the heart of the business district of Young.
He finished owning what was the largest cherry orchard in the world, and produced 1200 gallons of wine a year from his vineyard.
Baldo was an original donor of £50 pounds to help build the Sacred Heart Hospital, now known as the Mercy.
- Brian James produces his column for publication in the Young Witness every Tuesday on behalf the Young Historical Society Inc.
