If you had visited Yates Mill back in 1874 when Bill Yates first started pressing cider, you’d have traveled there by horse or on foot. And you might have brought a wagonload of your own apples, fresh from the orchard, for him to press. Times may have changed, but Yates cider hasn’t.
In 1900, the Michigan Central trains came through Yates Station six times a day and railroad excursions were the preferred mode of travel. You could travel from Utica or Rochester—or even as far away as Detroit—to the flag stop at Yates. And it was affordable—the local passenger rate was two cents a mile! Times may have changed, but Yates cider hasn’t.
If you visited Yates Cider Mill in 1920, you might have been lucky enough to travel there by automobile. Detroit was busy putting the world on wheels, and there were already more than 8 million private autos registered nationwide. You could fill the 10-gallon tank on your Model T for $2 and head to the cider mill! Times may have changed, but Yates cider hasn’t.
During the 1930s, a fall family outing to the cider mill was a reason to dress up! Men wore their jackets and hats, and women and children had on their Sunday best. A family excursion was a treat that was too special for everyday work clothes. Times may have changed, but Yates cider hasn’t.
In the 1950s, families could pile into the station wagon to enjoy a fall picnic at Bloomer State Park, or some skeet shooting or archery at the Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress. After working up a thirst, a stop at nearby Yates Cider Mill was practically a requirement. Times may have changed, but Yates cider hasn’t.
