Clyde's mill in Mystic, CT, is a rare survivor of a once-commonplace seasonal rural industry. As the New England colonies prospered a cider mill could be found in every community where apples were grown. In the fall, mills converted the fruit of the orchard into drink just as the grist mill converted the grain into flour.  A centrally located mill became popular for farmers who would sell surplus apples to the mill and bring back the juice to ferment into hard cider. In 1881 Benjamin Clyde began pressing his apples at local mills and in 1897 he purchased the mill and installed the screw press (No. 2) from Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse. Boomer and Boschert also supplied the apple grater, apple elevator, and cider pump, as well as the plans for the building.  This mill featured a sophisticated method of grinding and a press capable of applying pressure at three speeds. Using all steel construction, it is  considered the finest screw cider press ever made.  The Cider Mill has an "Mechanical Engineering History" award by the Society of Mechanical Engineers for being the first steam operated cider press in the country.

The mill has stayed in the family and is currently owned and operated (seasonally) by Benjamin's grandson, John K. Bucklyn.  His ancestor (a Bucklin of the Squire Bucklin of Rhode Island line) deliberately changed his family's spelling to Bucklyn. 

John (call him "Jack") keeps the 1887 boiler and machinery in top shape, and it still powers the 1887 cider press.  The 12 kinds of hard apple cider [alcohol content of 25 proof) in the United States are impressive, but most impressive is the history this mill shows us of the cider operation of Connecticut in the 1700 and 1800 centuries of this country.

Getting to the Cider Mill: B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill is located in Old Mystic, Connecticut, just minutes from Interstate 95 at exit 90. From exit 90, follow Route 27 North toward Old Mystic. Follow the right fork in the road onto Main Street, then turn right onto North Stonington Road at the big rock in the road. B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill is the fourth driveway on your left.

The front of the Cider Mill. It faces the newer, but still authentic old structure that houses the general store selling merchandise.	The famous "first boiler to operate a mill".	The door leading to the celler from whence the wine is sold.
There is a large collection of cider jugs.	Jack Bucklyn and his wife Barbara, ready to do business.