Gagetown in Tuscola County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Cider Mill
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 27, 2021
1. Cider Mill Marker
The Cider Mill was a traditional sight in many Midwestern and Northeastern US farm neighborhoods. Apple trees are quite common in parts of our country partly due to John Chapman (1774-1845), also known as Johnny Appleseed.
Apples have many uses. One such use is converting apples 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 and donated to the Thumb Octagon Barn in 2014 by Jim Hunter and Roy Reinke. Running the hydraulic press takes a 3HP to 6Hp hit and miss gas engine. Electric motors were quite uncommon in 1914.
The building (18'x30') was donated by the Orvil Beecher family and moved here from the Caro area in 2011. It was originally a granary, with corn cribs on the sides and a milling area in the center and dates back about the same time as the Cider Press.
Erected by Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 43° 40.318′ N, 83° 12.91′ W. Marker is in Gagetown
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker); Grain Elevator (a few steps from this marker); Sugar Shack (within shouting distance of this marker); One Room Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Octagon Barn (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powerhouse (about 500 feet away); Garage (about 500 feet away); House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gagetown.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 27, 2021
2. Cider Mill and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 27, 2021
3. Cider Mill Marker
The cider mill is the second building on the right. View looking toward the southeast.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 27, 2021
4. Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
