I grew up within walking distance from Parmenter’s Northville cider mill. It is one of the longest continuous running cider mills in Michigan. It was started by Nijil after returning from the Civil War. The Northville mill was It was first known for apple cider vinegar but switched in the 1880s to crush and produce cider. It was owned by Parmenters for five generations. In 1969, it was sold. It is now owned by the Nelson family. The mill has had only 3 owners in it’s 152 years of operation.
As a teenager, it was the place to gather at rustic picnic tables to sample the fresh cider and warm sugar donuts. The selection of apples depends on the availability of local apples.
When my husband John, had his farm the local farmers would gather their apples together to have them pressed as a group. John said that pressing some pears with the apples would produce a sweeter cider.
Here in Ada, MI we have the CC Orchards and Cider Mill. It has been in operation since 1995 and opened to the public in 2010. They sell fresh and hard cider along with other products such as apple and dried apple slices and apple butter They use different varieties of apples. In one season , they will press up to fifty barrels of apples.
My favorite way to enjoy this apple drink is to warm it slightly and sprinkle the top with cinnamon.
In the sixth century when monastic communities spread to the British Isles. They planted orchards to grow and press cider. After apples were pressed, the drink was sealed in wooden barrels and stored in a cool dark space. The cider would keep for several months.
Modern cider stays fresh about a week refrigerated and longer if pasteurized.
Time to take a break for a mug of the Michigan cider.
&&*** poem.The Treatment
War Balm
After the horrors of the battles,
veterans turned to cheap cider to
dull the memories of battles and physical pain.
Today, we still have veterans with flash backs and
physical and mental pain.
Sharing stories helps
more than alcohol.
carolaspot@aol.com
copyrighted 10/19/26
