Years ago my father took us to a playground to play on the swings. I remember him lifting me up on his shoulders to grab fruit off a tree that grew on the playground. It was about as big as a red crabapple but was soft like a pear. Not gritty like a pear. Didn't have a big seed in it like a plum. It tasted exactly like those spiced apple rings sold in jars in the grocery store. I went back to the playground now, the trees are no longer there. I have looked through seed catalogs for years but can't identify it I would like to have one for my yard! :o

California Tropical Fruit Trees (http://www.tropicalfruittrees.com/)

Oh, I guess I should have said, this was in 1940's in Maryland. But it might be a persimmon like was in your article. Thanks!

Were they orange when fully ripe or have a less than desired taste before they were ripend? My parents had a persimmon tree in their yard. I ate a few, the only thing I remember is the "squash, squash" and I stepped on them after they fell to the ground while mowing.

I only ever ate them when my Dad took us to that playground. It was a couple miles from our house and Mom didn't take us because she didn't drive a car. So they must have been ripe the time we went, maybe late summer

Contact the playground owner and see if anyone remembers.

I found my tree! It was a Hawthorn tree related to roses and apples. Can hardly wait to plant myself one.

This is actually somewhat funny.

Glad I helped.