I recently ran across these aprons in a book in the North Texas University Digital Archives click on the link to view the whole book. The booklet is entitled Dresses and Aprons for Work in the Home, copyright 1952. This was put together by the United States Bureau of Human Nutrition and Home Economics to "Discusses the importance of functional features when selecting patterns or ready-made dresses and aprons." Quite an interesting little book.
Notice the sturdiness of the aprons. These were designed to work! I love the different configurations of the shoulder straps, trying to solve the ever present problem of them falling off the shoulder. And of course, large pockets!
Isn't this clever? I am not sure why you just can't bring a basket if you are going to pick apples. But I think it would come in handy for other things. It is now on my to-make-list!