Franklin Cider Mill facts for kids
The Franklin Cider Mill is a super cool place in Franklin, Michigan, where they make delicious apple cider! It used to be called the Franklin Grist Mill.
Today, the family of Jacob Peltz, who used to own the mill, still runs it. When you visit, you can enjoy fresh apple cider, yummy spice donuts, caramel apples, and tasty apple pies, plus other treats. It's a popular spot for families, especially in the fall!
A Look Back: The Mill's History
The Franklin Grist Mill was finished in 1837. It took three years to build! A person named W. Matthews started building it in 1832. He bought a big piece of land near where the mill is now.
But Matthews ran into money problems and couldn't finish the project. So, Peter VanEvery bought the property. He completed the building and opened it as a gristmill. A gristmill is a place where grain, like wheat, is ground into flour. This mill was built right by the Franklin River.
New Owners and New Ideas
Over the years, the mill had several different owners. In 1914, James T. Flynn bought the mill. He added the first machine that used water power to press apples into cider! This was a big change for the mill.
Around the early 1900s, the Franklin Grist Mill was flooded and had to close down. But in 1918, Robert McKee bought the property. He decided that the cider season would always run from August 15th until January 1st each year.
In the 1960s, Jacob Peltz bought the mill. He ran it for almost 35 years, making it a beloved place for many families. He passed away in 2004, but his family continues to operate the mill today, keeping its traditions alive.
