Cider Mill

Cider mills were a traditional sight in many Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. farm neighborhoods. Apple trees became quite common in parts of the country partly due to John Chapman (1774-1845), also known as Johnny Appleseed, and apples had many uses, including being converted to juice. It takes approximately 14-16 pounds, or 1/3 bushel, of apples to make one gallon of cider. This 1914 cider press was manufactured by the Hydraulic Press Mfg Co. in Mount Gilead, Ohio. It was originally used in the Ruth, Michigan, area. Running the hydraulic press takes a 3HP to 6Hp hit and miss gas engine, because electric motors were quite uncommon in 1914. The building, measuring 18'x30', dates to about the same time as the cider press; it was originally a granary, with corn cribs on the sides and a milling area in the center.

Michigan · United States