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Bowens Mills 2011 Steam, Gas and Antique Machinery Show & Mountain Men Living History Weekend Saturday & Sunday September 24th & 25th Bowens Mills kicks off "The first cider pressing of the season" with a two day fun filled weekend. There will be a large display of antique tractors and a full schedule of events both days. There will be the making of cider on the old press, grinding of corn meal, tours of the old mill, horse drawn wagon rides, and good food with live music. This special weekend will also have the added feature of "Fork River Free Trappers" living history encampment for all to enjoy. This antique engine event will be cosponsored by "The Barry County Steam, Gas and Antique Machinery Association" and is open to non club members also. Schedule of events; 12:00 Gates open for touring "The Show" & Historical Park 12:15 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations 1:30 Tractor Parade down by the Old Mill 2:00 Threshing Demonstration followed by Hammermill Demonstration 3:00 Tractor Pull at the pulling track near Bowens Mills Gathering Place 3:30 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations
4:30 Cider Pressing & Water Power Cornmeal Grinding Demonstrations
This years "Feature Tractor" will be MC John Deere Crawler owned by Nelson Hine of Hastings. Nelson tells it like this, ”Many years ago when I was growing up on our 160 acre farm, located in Hope Twp., Barry County. All farm work was done with horsepower. After WWII in 1947, most farmers changed to tractors for their field work. In 1952, it was decided that if I was going to farm with my dad, we needed a tractor. I worked for the neighbors using their modern machinery. The IHC dealer in Middleville brought out a new “H” with plow, Goodyear Bros. in Hastings brought the M.C. Deere. The IHC plowed one round and wouldn’t climb a hill without rising up in the air. The M.C. plowed anywhere needed and pulled the “H” to safety. Needless to say a lot of needling followed the demo. The John Deere stayed and did most of the farm work. We still had the horses until 1960. I still us the M. C. for various jobs on the farm. It is pretty much original except for the rear sprockets, painted 12-15 years ago and again in 2011. Currently it is used as a show tractor throughout Michigan.” The ‘putt-putts’ of the old engines will be heard across the grounds. Numerous other steam and gasoline engines will also be displayed. Many will be working so that all can see how things were done in the old days. The Watered Powered Grist Mill was built in 1864 and is a Michigan State Historic Site. It is a working museum. Its mission is to preserve the history of Yankee Springs and Barry County for future generations to learn from and enjoy. The gigantic cider press, (which was not new at the time) was moved to the mill property in 1902. The old timers tell how it was in the old days, when horses and wagons loaded with their apples were lined all the way back into town, waiting their turn at the press. Today folks come from miles around to see the past live again as bushel and bushels of apples are made into gallons and gallons of cider on the old press. In 1978 the late Neal Cook and his wife Marion purchased Bowens Mills, with the help of family and friends they restored the old press which had not been used for many years. After weeks of cleaning and preparation with scouring and scrubbing. The press was ready to run. All of the big leather belts were replaced and the final drops of oil added. The rumble and rattle of the huge overhead pulleys and the intriguing fragrance as the juices began to flow gave a feeling of awe and kinship with Mr. Bowen as "The Past Lives Again". Every fall since that day there has been "It’s Cider Time" at Historic Bowens Mills, folks can share with their children the excitement over nature, farm animals, historical activities, and harvest time experiences. The large Belgian horses will be on hand for families to relax and enjoy a free wagon ride which tours the grounds of Bowens Mills. All of the historical buildings will be open with costumed craftsmen demonstrating and selling their wares. The 19 acre park consists of:1864 four story water powered working Grist Mill 1800’s water powered working Cider Mill 1840’s two-story Plank House, the oldest house in Bowens Mills 1850’s one-room School House, the oldest in Barry County 1860’s 11 room Victorian House built by the Bowens A Post & Beam Barn and Pioneer Farm area, home to Belgian Draft Horses, Miniature Horses, Chickens, Turkey, Peacock, Goats, Sheep, and a Llama A Quaint Covered Bridge that crosses the Old Mill Stream 17 foot Water Wheel, completed in 1999 Ye Ole Craft Shoppe" an artisans woodworking & cooper shop. The Fork River Trading Post" Log Cabin The Bowens Mills Gathering Place" an Arts & Entertainment Center The Saw Millers Cabin" down by the Old Mill Stream 2006 One-Room Restored "Line Camp Cabin" located near the "Trappers Trading Post" "The Miller’s Wife Store" with many items reminiscent of bygone days including; Bowens Mills Fresh Ground Corn Meal and Amish prepared Apple Butter and Peach Butter, antiques, & books. "Granny’s Kitchen" Restaurant prepares Hot Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream, warm Donuts, Chili, Hot Dogs, Cider by the glass and soft drinks.
Folks are encouraged bring their cameras and take a color tour through beautiful Yankee Springs Township and say "Yes to Yesterday" when you visit Historic Bowens Mills "It’s Cider Time Events".
"October Cider Sundays at Bowens Mills" Dates: ALL CIDER TIME EVENTS INCLUDE: Free Horse Drawn Wagon Ride with admission, Cider pressing demonstrations on the 100+ year old water-powered cider press, stone ground corn grinding demonstrations on the huge mill stones, Pioneer Farm with animals, along with live music, many other history related activities. The "It’s Cider Time Events" are from noon to 5pm. Gate fee is $5.00 for adults, children 12 years and under $3.00. Hours are Noon to 5pm. The Old Mill is located in the heart of beautiful Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, MI just 2 miles north of Yankee Springs (Gun Lake) State Park. Watch for the Huge Millstone Marker at 55 Briggs Road, Middleville, MI 49333. Visit www.BowensMills.com or call 269-795-7530 for more information.. If you would like to help support this event, click here |
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