Cider Mill

The property located on Park Road in Chardon, Ohio, was once home to a historic Cider Mill, operated by the Rhodes family, a well-known and respected local family. This mill was an integral part of Chardon’s agricultural and economic life during the early to mid-20th century, offering a glimpse into the community’s rural heritage.


The Rhodes family established the Cider Mill in the early 1900s, recognizing the region’s rich apple orchards as a resource for producing high-quality cider. The business grew quickly, as the family’s dedication to their craft and commitment to quality earned them a loyal customer base throughout Chardon and the surrounding areas. Local farmers would bring their apples to the mill, where they were pressed into cider using traditional techniques that had been passed down through generations. The Rhodes family became synonymous with fresh, locally sourced cider, a popular product that was enjoyed by many families in the region.


As a community gathering spot, the Cider Mill was more than just a business; it was a place where residents could socialize, share stories, and take part in the rhythm of the seasons. During the autumn months, the mill was especially lively, with the air thick with the sweet aroma of freshly pressed apples. The cider produced at the Rhodes’ mill was often sold at local markets, fairs, and events, contributing to Chardon’s reputation as an agricultural hub.


By mid-century, however, as industrialization and modern manufacturing began to transform the economy, small-scale operations like the Rhodes’ Cider Mill faced increasing challenges. Though the family continued to run the mill for several decades, maintaining its legacy, the decline in small farming and competition from larger producers led to the eventual closure of the mill.


The property on Park Road, while no longer an active mill, remains a significant piece of Chardon’s history. Its past reflects the hardworking spirit of the Rhodes family and the importance of agriculture in shaping the local economy and community identity. Today, the legacy of the Cider Mill lives on in local memory, a reminder of a time when family-run enterprises like the Rhodes’ helped define the rural landscape of northeast Ohio