Cider Making
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. 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.
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);
this page online
Regarding Cider Making. Excerpt from "Today... and Yesterday" by The Morning Call
Also see . . .
1. A Brief History of Ciders. Frecon Farms website entry (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Pennsylvania German Society. Website homepage (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Website homepage (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Kutztown Folk Festival. Website homepage (Submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 205 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
