Beloved Michigan Cider Mill Changing Owners After 100 Years
In Michigan, fall is way too short a season, in my opinion. I love fall, but it seems to be over in the blink of an eye. That said, although there’s plenty of summer left, I’m already starting to look around at fall things to do in the Mitten, and there are plenty of options.
One favorite Michigan orchard and cider mill is closing its doors after 102 years of business. That’s pretty heartbreaking, but at least the orchard offered many good memories over the years.
Erwin Orchards Inc. has announced that it’s officially closing. All is not lost, though, as Blake’s will be taking over. The reason for the closing is that Erwin and Emery families are retiring. Linda Erwin wrote on the orchard’s Facebook page that they have much appreciation for the business and fantastic customers over the years. Bill and Linda Erwin were the fourth generation running the orchard. The two made a life on the farm, working there for more than 54 years. It’s such a sweet story.
“We are proud of what we have built but know that none of it would have been possible without our yearly beloved and dedicated work family, many of which have been with us for multiple years and all of you, our loyal customers,” Erwin stated in a Facebook post. “You have supported us year after year through good crops and not-so-good crops and even a total loss of our apple crop due to freezing temperatures in 2012!”
If you have memories to share, the family is asking people to send those memories or farewells to them at [email protected]. The family also stated on Facebook that some of their land will still be used for farming under the new ownership, so it’s nice to see that tradition somewhat continue.