In the 1880s Tennessee fruit growers started research to a blight-free, weather-resistant, and flavorful pear. In 1953, after 26 years of research and experimentation, Dr. Brooks Drain, UT horticulturist, announced the development of 75 new varieties of pears that met the criteria. In 1946 Dr. Drain had introduced the Orient Pear, which met the criteria, but additional varieties were needed.