The Press

One of my favorite things about Sesame Street growing up, besides Cookie Monster, were the short films that played during an episode that were centered around the production process of something delicious or curious. I loved getting to see how the things on the grocery store shelves ended up there. I'm not sure if they still do this on Sesame Street any longer, but I hope they do. Of course it would require Americans actually having jobs where they make things. Do you remember them, the films? It would be a little 2 minute film about something like an orange grove and how orange juice is made, and a group of kids would narrate these things, and just randomly scream stuff like, "ORANGE JUICE" as the oranges would get pulverized. They would do films about where crayons come from, or how peanut butter is made, chinese noodles.... stuff like that. I loved all of them, and they are strongly ingrained in my memory, and I was always fascinated by them growing up. They were strong little propaganda films, because by the age of 8 I wanted to wear a hair net and work in a factory.

So...

A couple months back I went to Hadley, MA on a job to make a book trailer for Storey Publishing on a new title about sewing, (which at first I was like, Sewing?! How do I? and then it turned out to be such a great project after talking to the authors. Can't wait to show you the results.) And while I was there, not only did I fall in love with all of Western Mass, but I met a family that were in the midst of the exciting final stages of launching their new apple cider business. We took a quick trip up the north-west slope of Mount Warner in North Hadley, Massachusetts to a barn, and in that barn was this fully restored and most splendid apple press that I was told was well over 100 years old. It looked brand new again, magnificent candy apple red, bright shiny piece of mechanics, gears and pulleys, and blades. It was one of those contraptions that I immediately wanted to see in action. I was a kid again. Randomly screaming, "Apples!!"

So I went back. Cole and I took a trip back to Hadley, and we were invited to the very first pressing of the season, and we were lucky enough to get to document this process. It was the first time I had just decided to make something for myself, just because, and it was the first time that Cole was on hand to assist me. So this exercise really woke something up inside me. I was like... THIS!!! This is what I want to do more of. With her. I loved working with Cole on this.

The music was provided with permission by the insanely talented Rickolus who has made his album American Backyard free for download over at his place HERE.

As you can see from the video, Carr's Ciderhouse is a family run business, and while I was filming I couldn't help but get choked up thinking about how cool it was when their little boy asked for that apple rake, and his dad just handed it to him without hesitation and let him start helping. I just know as a kid, it was moments like that, moments of inclusion and trust that really stuck with me and shaped who I became. It was awesome to see this moment. Father and son moments really kill me.

So if you are curious for more info about the actual Cider press and this family run business, Nathan from the ridicuoulsy gorgeous online magazine Kinfolk is giving this little film a home today on his site. So take a jump on over to Kinfolk and check the post (that will be up later today). If you have not heard about Kinfolk yet, do yourself the good favor of taking some time to look around some. I don't think you will regret it.

If you are now thirsty for cider, you can take a look at the family's web site that is in the process of being constructed, they are still in the just opening up for business stages, and it's an exciting time for them. If you live near Hadley, or Northhamptom you can pick some up for yourself right now. More info is being added to their site. If you are not near Western Mass, you can contact them through the site and try and strong arm them into selling you some cider. Tell them you saw the video, and say pretty please, it might work. Take a look HERE.

And a huge thank you to this really amazing family, who not only shared this special experience with us, but extended inspirational amounts of hospitality and warmth to us. They absolutely gave southern hospitality a run for its money. I'm not sure I have ever felt more welcome anywhere. So thank you to Jonathan and Nicole we hope to see you again soon. There is always Lego Land :)

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