Mills Apple Farm
Good Fruit, Good Food, and Family Fun
History
The land now known as Mills Apple Farm was first settled in 1818 as a government “patent”, (an early homestead.). At that time most of the land in the area was covered by trees, which had to be cleared in order to farm the ground. One way the farmers did it was to girdle the trees with an ax and then let them die, rot and fall down. It was then an easy matter to burn them, although I suspect many trees found their way into primitive fireplaces in the tiny log homes. In the meantime, the farmers simply farmed around the rotting trees.
Wild animals roamed the area (and some Indians too), and many farmers earned extra money by killing game and selling it in St Louis. Considering that St. Louis was a good day’s ride from Marine, what condition do you suppose the meat was in by the time it finally reached St. Louis?
For the next 155 years, the farm served as a grain, produce, and dairy farm. In the 1800s most families only stayed for two or three years. In 1893 the Weber family bought it and in 1906 built a new house over the top of the original one room structure. The Weber’s and later their daughter, Nora Espenshiede kept the farm for about 50 years. Fred and Nora Espenshiede developed the farm into a dairy starting in 1932. He built the white dairy barn in 1948 and could milk eighteen cows in it. The Ambuehl family put up the silo in the 1960s. In 1975 the Mills family converted the barn into a pig farrowing house for a few years and then into apartments.
The Mills family moved here in 1971, looking for a healthy place to raise four pre-teenagers. It worked well. The kids have had a hand in every project on the farm, from building the apple sheds and silo house to remodeling buildings, planting trees and helping with livestock. Through it, they learned self-confidence, and skills that have served them well in their adult years. Although all are professionals in their own rights, they and their families still participate in various functions of the farm operation. Mills planted the first commercial apple orchards in 1973 and new trees are still planted from time to time.
Christmas trees were added in 1981 and peaches in 1990. The farm now
has 15 varieties of apples and 14 varieties of peaches as well as a mix
of pine and spruce trees.
The main apple shed was started in 1978 by the three sons while they
were in high school. When finished in 1980, it contained the market,
cider mill, cold storage, fruit processing line, and later a bakery.
Mills Apple Farm is operated by Jerry with help from the kids and
their families: Sherry and Bill, and now Kathryn; Lowell and Annette;
Keith, Darlene, Alyssa and Kaylee; Larry; as well as many good friends and
any stray relative that gets too close.
About Mills Apple Farm
We specialize in fresh fruit, both picked and pick-your-own. You haven’t eaten a “real” apple or peach until you have tasted one, tree ripened and freshly picked, especially if you picked it yourself!
Our apple and peach orchards are designed to provide a continuous supply of fresh tree-ripened fruit starting in mid-July with peaches and ending in November with apples. Different varieties of both fruits ripen at intervals throughout the season. This means fresh fruit is always available.
We make delicious, wholesome cider throughout the apple season. In hot weather we offer icy cold lemonade or cider slush.
The delightful aromas from our bakery will tempt you with our famous pies, cookies, and other goodies. We’ll even make you a sugar free pie if you call ahead.
We do other things besides fresh, tree-ripened fruit. In September and October we have family oriented festivals. See our calendar of events.
Our farm theme emphasizes things you might have found on Grandpa’s farm many years ago. Chickens, ducks, and geese roam the grounds. Goats, pigs, and our faithful donkey Beau add to the menagerie.
Our educational school tours teach children (and parents) something about fruit culture and cider making. Please call for reservations.
Hayrides provide a safe and inexpensive evening of fun for groups of all ages. Please call for reservations. Perfect for a crisp fall evening.
We encourage you to take advantage of our picnic tables and children’s play area to get the most of your Mills Apple Farm experience.