Mystery Apple Tree: What Kind Of Minnesota Apple Tree Is This?

I've been trying to figure this puzzle out for a few years now; but this year, I think I've finally done it.

This is one of my Dad's apple trees. He says that he and my Mom planted it when they were just kids. When he says that, I'm not exactly if he means kids like grade-school, or kids like maybe young adults.  My parents have known each other since they were in grade school.

THE MYSTERY

So far this year, this little tree has produced a ton of apples. I've picked about 20 bags already, and those apples are all from just the lower branches.  The picture here was taken last year, but this year, the tree is absolutely full of apples from the top to the bottom.

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THE FACTS

This year, I picked off one of the small branches and brought it to work with me, and have been comparing it to all of the apple trees that are featured on the Minnesota Extension website.

The facts I know about my Dad's tree:

• He planted it when he was young
• He thought he would never forget the name of the tree
• It's been in the yard at least since the 70's
• It was a Minnesota variety

DISCOVERY

I've determined that because of the years in which he planted and the fact that the tree produces a semi-sweet, not too-shiny fruit, and is ready for picking now, this is a State Fair apple tree.

Facts about State Fair Apple Trees:

• State Fair Apple trees are dwarf trees that can grow up to about 10 feet tall
• The hybrid was first introduced in the year 1977.
• It produced a bright red fruit, with yellow-green blushing
• It has a semi-sweet, acidic taste and is juicy
• The tree has a fairly rounded habit with a general clearance of about 4 feet.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

All of these things lead me to believe that this is the tree that's in my Dad's yard. If you have other thoughts, please let me know what you think.  You can email me at kelly.cordes@townsquaremedia.com.