99 Years Of Cider Ended Here

These huge crates of apples were hauled a long way to the press by a tractor on a homemade flatbed. Ferrando Orchards operated the oldest continually running cider press in all of New England - 99 years! This was the last photo I took there; on the 100th year, the family sold out to developers. I was absolutely stricken, sick at heart. But every man deserves his rest, and I guess that certainly includes Farmer Ferrando. Farming is a hard way to earn a living. But oh, what a loss! 30 acres of magnificent apple trees, carefully tended and pruned annually for over 100 years. They are all gone now, and a number of ghastly $450,000 homes are their place - the kind with 3 car garages, no style, or beauty, or charactor, and NO TREES. The other fields simply lie fallow, grown over with grasses, weeds, brambles, etc. (Heavy sigh...)
(Note: taken in 2008)

[Gerry]

very beautiful photo Lesley lovely colours and tones

[Peter Bunker]

Nice picture but (another) sad story of modern life.

[Robin]

How very sad when something like that goes. It's a story going on all over the world, unfortunately and even worse when it's almost in your backyard.

[Cindy Rez]

so sad.uggg I know the kind where it looks like no one lives there!!!

[Leslie Manna]

@gerry Much appreciated Gerry..........Take care, Les

[Leslie Manna]

@hopelessromantic Thanks Peter; so much for "progress." Take care, Les

[Leslie Manna]

@girlie I sure agree with you Robin. In the spring, I used to go there when the trees were in blosssom, and just lay down in the grass. Words fall short of describing the fragrance and beauty of 30 acres of apple blossoms, and the rapture of being a part of it. All my best, Lesx

[Leslie Manna]

@cindyrez You got it girl! Uggg! "If you build it, they will come." Take good care, Les