Franklin Cider Mill

After about three years of construction, the Mill was completed in 1837, the same year in which Michigan gained its statehood. The building development was started by a man from New York named Ed W. Matthews. Matthews purchased a large tract of land near the Mill’s current location. Unfortunately however, financial difficulties made it impossible for him to finish his project.
It was then purchased by Peter VanEvery who completed the building and opened it as a gristmill. He became the miller for an area of many miles in all directions. VanEvery also had many other enterprises in the Stoughton and Bullock Settlement, which is now Franklin.
Ownership of the Mill changed hands many times during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Around the turn of the century, the Mill was flooded and shut down until it was purchased in 1918 by Robert McKee. McKee stipulated that the cider season would run from August 15^th until January 1^st.
The Mill changed hands one more time in 1966. Jack Peltz purchased the Mill and just two years later another flood left the Mill in a jam. The flood washed away a 30-foot section of the road that the Mill stands on. The road was fixed but the power that was provided by the water wheel was lost. Regular electricity was installed in the Mill that year, 1968. Possession of the Mill has remained in the Peltz family and is now owned by Barry Peltz.
Good time at the Franklin Cider Mill the other day! It was very intresting. It was nice to learn about some of the history there and experience it all. Even though the cider and doughnuts where expensive, it was fun and exiting to get out of the classroom enviroment.