New Boston cider mill celebrates 100 years

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:29:00 GMT

BY SARAH LEBRUN

The 1908 New Boston cider mill, owned by Bob and Eileen Belanger, celebrated its 100th anniversary over Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11 and 12.

The mill used to be part of the Valley View Farm, owned by J.R. Whipple. It produced sweet cider and cider champagne for his Boston hotels in the early 1900s.

Bob purchased the mill in 1974 after seeing the mill advertised in Yankee Magazine. The mill was in operation until the early 1990s, making both apple cider and cider vinegar. By then, both Bob and Eileen had full-time jobs and did not have the time to continue running the cider press each day.

“It’s a lot of work,” said Eileen, explaining that each time the cider press is used, there is approximately two hours of clean-up time involved. Though the press is no longer run on a regular basis, it does operate each Columbus Day weekend.

“We pride ourselves in keeping that apparatus still operating said Bob.

Each year, a group of apple growers from the New Hampshire area close in on the mill to press their own apples into cider. And beginning in 2007, the Belangers began a fundraiser to donate proceeds of apple cider sales to the New Hampshire Food Bank.

“Last year, we raised $700, and this year, we raised close to $2,000,” said Eileen. The mill also houses Eileen’s art studio and gallery, The Cider Mill Gallery, which opened over Columbus Day weekend. Eileen creates murals and other fine arts. She also designs and paints furniture for Old English Woods in Goffstown.

It will be open by appointment, during special exhibits or events, and when the open flag is out. Private lessons will also be available.

“It’s more of a place for people to come see what I do, see me painting and to meet with clients,” said Eileen. For more information, call 487-5522.

New Boston News : cider mill

New Boston cider mill celebrates 100 years