On Tuesday, September 26th, the Foodservices staff at Mayflower made cider the old-fashioned way—with an apple press. Foodservices Director, Jacob Staroska, ground batches of sliced apples and then pressed them into rich, smooth cider on the Buckley Patio.
Mayflower residents and their guests enjoyed the freshly-squeezed apple cider—hot and cold—along with homemade chili served from the pot on the patio.
With the weather cooperating, the new Buckley Patio awning was rolled out, so that diners could choose to eat in the sun or the shade.
The press is owned by Ron Deppe, a gift to him from Terese Grant on behalf of her late husband Warren, who was a long-time Grinnell-Newburg Schools and international schools teacher. Warren learned the apple press process from family members while he was a college student.
When Warren and Terese moved to Grinnell to teach, Warren decided to purchase his own press. He planted trees in his yard and helped friend Ron Deppe plant trees at his farm. Each fall when the apples were ready, Warren would invite friends to pick and press apples and enjoy the cider.
The tradition continues.
— Bob Mann, Mayflower Sales & Marketing Director (641-236-6151)
