Since 1837 when Isaac and Seraphina Parshall began their life on the North Ore Creek, and built Success Flour, it was a destination that families looked forward to visiting to purchase flour for their baked goods. Today, the mill is still one of Michigan’s favorite autumn traditions where families gather to enjoy the splendors of fall.
Through the years the grist mill has had a succession of owners. On July 23, 1878 there is a warranty deed from Daniel Townley to Thomas A Walker and John A Browning. The Browning ½ interest was granted many more times. On June 28, 1913 Tom Walker purchased the additional ½ interest in his grist mill. It was then passed on to his son Judson. In 1935 the Mill became the property of Thomas “Tommy” Walker the grandson of Thomas A. Walker and the 3rd. generation of their family to own and operate the Mill.
Tommy ran the Mill along with his wife Marion until 1968 when Bill and Sue Richards of Milford purchased it and a new life began for the Mill. It no longer ground grain for the grist mill and the farmers that came, it began grinding Apples into flavorful Apple Cider. Following the Richards family, Jim and Sharon Miller from Brighton took over and operated the Cider Mill for 8 years prior to selling to the Detlefs family.
Jack and Sandy Detlefs, along with their children and Grandchildren, welcome visitors daily to this one-of-a-kind landmark, which is located on the picturesque North Ore Creek in Hartland Township. They are the 3rd owner of the Parshallville Cider Mill. The Detlefs family continues these family traditions by making old-fashioned Apple Cider, warm spiced donuts, awesome caramel apples and everyone’s favorite fresh baked apple pie.
The family serves to please adventurous travelers searching for an afternoon getaway and a place to start their own family tradition. Come join them along the peaceful mill stream from Labor Day weekend through mid-November and experience a memorable step back in time.
Today, the mill is still one of Michigan’s favorite autumn traditions where families gather to enjoy the splendors of fall. The Grist Mill today is 145 years old.