After three years of construction, the Franklin Grist Mill was completed in 1837.  This was the same year that Michigan gained its statehood. The construction was started by W. Matthews.  Matthews purchased the large tract of land near the Mill’s current location and began the mill in 1832.  Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, Matthews could not finish his project.

The property was purchased by Peter VanEvery who completed the building and opened it as a gristmill on the banks of the Franklin River. He became the miller for an area that included many miles for grain farmers 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 several times during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Around the turn of the century, the Franklin Grist Mill was flooded and shut down until the property was purchased in 1918 by Robert McKee.  McKee changed the mill from a grist mill to a cider mill and stipulated that the cider season would run from August 15^th until January 1^st.

The Franklin Cider Mill changed hands only one more time in 1966. Jack Peltz, a new resident in Franklin, purchased the Mill.  In 1968, 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.  As a family tradition, we are preparing the next generation to operate the mill.

The state of Washington is #1 in producing apples. They produce about four times more apples than any other state. New York and Michigan are the #2 and #3 producers, respectively.  The Franklin Cider Mill is  proud of the apples grown in Michigan and use only Michigan apples for our cider.

The Franklin Cider Mill, like other cider mills and orchards, has a reputation of having a lot of bees buzzing around (especially when families are trying to have a nice, relaxing picnic!).  These bees are precious and critical to the production of apples, fruits and vegetables.  In the spring, these busy bees pollinate Michigan’s apple tree blossoms turning apples into a very nutritious and delicious fruit. The more blossoms, the more fruit.  To help manage our bees, please be sure to place all cider mill papers, cups, bags, and plastic jugs into their designated trash receptacles located throughout the mill’s property.