Photot Courtesy of Betty Tetreault
by Kim, with Betty Tetreault
These old barns, all at once dilapidated yet scenic, capture the history, industry and character of early Northborough. In Colonial times, cider was a standard drink, an alternative to scarce potable water.
Photo on the left, Mentzer’s Cider Mill, per Betty, “It was not in use 80 years ago when I was young, so I cannot tell you when it was last in service. Often times, Miss Peaslee, for whom the Maple Street school is named, would sit and paint a picture of the cider mill, possibly in hopes of getting a glimpse of Al Mentzer, an eligible bachelor.”
Photo Courtesy of Ron Goodenow
Photo on the right shows Toren’s Cider Mill, “Mr. Toren did not have an orchard, so possibly got his apples – (drops) from Fawcett’s or Warren’s. He did, however, have a good brook for water power. This mill was in use 50 years ago, when my kids were young.”
Betty,
Can you share with us where these old mills are located?
From Betty: Toren’s cider mill is on Crawford Street, at the end near Church Street. Notice the nice brook nearby that was used to power the mill. Mentzer’s cider mill is on Mentzer Ave, off Green Street. Travelling up Green street from town, Mentzer Ave is on your left after going over Rte 290. Before 290 was built, it was a through way between Green Street and Brewer Street, but became a dead end when Brewer street was relocated. The old Mentzer homestead, a beautiful colonial home, is presently occupied by the Rawstroms.