Mr. S, (North Florida)
Mr. S, who requested anonymity, has the kind of life many syrup makers dream of. When he steps from his back door, he can walk 50 m to his business, or he can walk 50 m in the opposite direction to his hobby farm. His cane operation is the center of his farm and is in partnership with his with his father-in-law, Mr. N. Although he produces quite a bit of syrup, he doesn't sell any. So far, he has a greater number of friends than jars of syrup, but this is self-fulfilling prophecy that the quality of his syrup ensures! As a happy recipient of his syrup, I can attest to that. . . .my special thanks to Mr. S for showing me around.
Slides 1 and 2, is a massive horse mill, a Blymyer No.4. Ken informs me that this will weigh about 1350 pounds. The figure beside the mill for size perspective is my daughter, Elizabeth.
Slide 3 is the inside of his syrup shed, which features a furniture-quality trough for straining in the background. His shed is attached to a cabin that is outfitted with a modern kitchen and a large dining table, where I hope to be sitting next November.
Slides 4 and 5 are back-up mills, a Chattanooga No.11 and a Chattanooga No.12, respectively. The Chattanooga No.11 is a light one-horse mill, which weighs 400 pounds and has a juice output rated at about 300 gallons per day (see Ken's Catalog pages).