Kutztown in Berks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Cider Making

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 3, 2017

1. Cider Making Marker

Inscription.
The first step in making cider in the days gone by was to grind the apples into pulp, called pomace in English and "dreschter" in the dialect. Then the "dreschter" was imbedded in layers of flailed rye straw. The cider press was operated by two men who increased the pressure by turning large wooden screws. This forced down the weight of a roof-like structure, and the pressure squeezed the cider from the "dreschter."

The wooden grinding gears were buried in the ground when cider season ended, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 40° 31.065′ N, 75° 47.034′ W. Marker is in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. It can be reached from Wentz Street. Marker is on the Kutztown Fairgrounds, home of the Kutztown Folk Festival. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 450 Wentz Street, Kutztown PA 19530, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania and specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

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It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pennsylvania Dutch Ballads (here, next to this marker); Colouring Easter Eggs (here, next to this marker); Two Worlds - Dutch Country (here, next to this marker); Brick-End Decorated Barns (here, next to this marker); Griener Dunnerschdag (a few steps from this marker); Wheelbarrow Matches (within shouting distance of this marker); Quilting Lore (within shouting distance of this marker); The Conestoga Wagon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kutztown.

Regarding Cider Making. Excerpt from "Today... and Yesterday" by The Morning Call

Also see . . .
1. The Pennsylvania German Society. Website homepage (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

2. Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Cider Making Marker and Other Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 3, 2017

2. Cider Making Marker and Other Markers

Looking SW

Website homepage (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 343 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.