The Story Behind How Yates Cider Mill Came to Be

You love their donuts and their cider. But do you know the story behind the 150-year-old Rochester landmark?

Around Town

Michigan's Apple Shortage Won't Detract From Rich History of Yates Cider Mill

For the first time in 150 years, Yates apples are from outside Michigan. But the donuts? They're just like grandpa Charles Posey used to make them.

It's not all sugar and spice in the cider industry. At Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills, there are a lot of numbers to get your head around, too. Numbers like: And then there's this number: 90 percent. That's how much of the apple crop in Michigan is gone this year, wiped out by an unseasonably warm March followed by a hard frost in April. That number, and the millions of bushels of lost apples it represents, is presenting a challenge to local orchards and the cider mills that depend on their product. "We've had to think outside the box this year," Yates owner Mike Titus said. So, for the first time in its nearly 150 year history, Yates turned to out-of-state orchards.  After his local growers told him back in April that he would need …

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Whatever

6:34 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Macomb County plans on building a section of triail south of the Macomb Orchard Trail along Dequindre Rd. as part of their 70 mile loop trail. http://www.m-bike.org/blog/2009/04/05/huge-county-trail-loop-planned-for-macomb/ http://www.macombcountymi.gov/MCPED/E-Macomb/September%202009/FA%20-%20Trails.html Master Plan: http://www.macombcountymi.gov/MCPED/Documents/Planning/Macomb%20County%…   more ›

Last Chance for Spring Cider at Yates

Today is the closing day for the special spring season at the Rochester Hills cider mill.

There's cider and donuts. And then there's Yates cider and donuts. Rochester has been lucky this spring; for the past three weeks, Yates Cider Mill has been open for a special spring apple press. It's the first time in more than 20 years that a bumper crop of apples has allowed for fresh cider and donuts in April at the Rochester Hills cider mill. "Last year was the perfect season with no frost or hail damage," Yates owner Katie Titus told Patch. The spring season was originally expected to last only 10 days, but supply and demand allowed it to stay open a week beyond schedule. The last day is today, however. Yates is open from 1 - 7 p.m. According to the Yates Cider Mill Facebook page, there are two special deals you can pick between: …

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One Last Weekend of Cider and Donuts

The special spring cider season at Yates in Rochester Hills comes to an end on Sunday.

Around Town

Want Cider, Rochester? Yates to Open Friday for 10 Days of Spring Apple Joy

Last fall's bumper crop has led the cider mill to a bonus spring pressing — for the first time in 20 years.

If you thought last summer and fall were delightful, you weren't the only one. Michigan apples thrived during those seasons leading to a "bumper crop." Now cider and donut fans are getting a special spring treat at Yates Cider Mill. "We're so excited to have a special spring pressing!" Yates owner Katie Titus said. "Last year was the perfect season with no frost or hail damage. For the first time in a long time we have the apples for a spring press." Yates Cider Mill will be open Friday until April 22. Fresh cider and donuts will be made at the mill daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Ice Cream Shoppe will also open for the season on Friday. Ice cream hours are Sunday-Thursday 1-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Titus estimated it'…

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Kristin Bull

7:25 am on Tuesday, April 24, 2012

This just in: Yates still has apples to press, so the spring season is extending through to April 29!   more ›

Michigan Postcard: Yates Cider Mill

Memories are made while cider and donuts are consumed at the historic mill.

Fall is cider mill season in southeast Michigan and one of the most popular is the historic Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills. Reader Nancy Perkins, who splits her time between Waterford and Florida, sent in this snapshot of the iconic spot on a beautiful fall day. "I love all of our local cider mills," Perkins said. "Yates is one of my favorites. The nearby Clinton River and trail is also very picturesque!" What's your favorite cider mill? To email this photo, just look for the EMAIL button above the headline. To print this photo, see PRINT above. To add a photo, click on "add your photos" under the photo. Do you have a nominee for Michigan Postcard? Nominate it here or email it to beth.valone@patch.com. Be sure to include the following…

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