Back in the Cider Again

Back in the Cider Again

By Stephanie Lampe

When it comes to family gatherings, the Mathews family of the Dilliner area knows how to do things right. This past July, they celebrated their 60th consecutive family reunion. Now, in addition to holidays, they have added another family tradition. On October 21st, family members from as far away as Nashville, TN and Wooster, OH, family friends, and members of their church family got together to celebrate the past, swap stories about the ‘good ole days,’ share a potluck feast, and make homemade apple cider – the inspiration for the event. And I was lucky enough to attend.

Located approximately 3-4 miles off of Interstate 79 is the beautiful Mathews farm, stretching across 1600 acres. The farm has been operating for generations, with the antiques to prove it. One such antique became the ‘star of the show’ at their newest tradition. Forgotten in the back corner of an old barn on the property sat an old apple press. At one point, the press was dug out, but the wood was ruined by the weather. Fortunately, Buddy (Becky) Pecjak, son of Rose Ann, wanted to save it. He and other family members completely refurbished the apple press. When the family decided to try it out, the idea for the fall family gathering was born. It was a small affair last year, but they chose to go much bigger this year.

When I arrived in the afternoon, the first thing I noticed was a very old wagon filled with apples. Next to it sat another old wagon with a quilt draped over it, some bales of hay, and more antiques. There were fall signs and decorations everywhere. Huge round bales were stacked and spray-painted to look like a scarecrow. A small fire had been started just outside the pavilion with the makings for s’mores nearby. And there were apples, apples, and more apples. Apples in the wagon, apples in big plastic tubs, and boxes of apples stacked just outside the pavilion.

I gathered my notebook and camera and made my way toward the pavilion where I was warmly greeted by Carletta Huggins, daughter of Mary Jane. She explained that the family had worked together to gather around 54 bushels of apples. Some were from the family farm while others were purchased at auctions, etc. in Granville and Cumberland. Carletta said “some were even picked from trees in their yards.”

After meeting Carletta, the introductions began. I was first introduced to Herschel Mathews who was manning the grill. I held out my hand, and he just smiled and said “we hug here.” After giving me a big hug and welcoming me to his farm, he began to tell me a bit about the farm. At 84, he still runs Mathews Farms Seeding and Reclamation. He still drives the dozers and tractors. “I have 18 John Deere tractors,” he said proudly, “and one of the biggest farms around.” He shared a memory about the 100+ years old wagon filled with apples. He remembered filling it with corn and apples when he was a kid. That was the main reason he wanted to include it; he wanted to fill it “one more time.” The wagon was also used with the thresher. The Mathews family was the only family around back then with a thresher - a piece of farm equipment that removes seeds from the stalks and husks of grain - so they would help out the neighboring farmers.

After speaking with Herschel, I wandered around the area jotting down notes and snapping photographs. As I was admiring an old quilt, Carletta came over. Leona Mathews, her grandmother, had made the quilt as a wedding gift for her daughter Mary Jane, Carletta’s mother. In turn, Mary Jane passed it on to Carletta when she got married.

By this time, the apple pressing had begun. Everyone was taking part in the process – which was fascinating! Whole apples were dropped in, the crank was turned to chop them up, and the cider was pressed out and strained through cheesecloth. The jugs were filled with the fresh apple cider. Carletta handed me a cupful. The first thing I noticed was the smell. The cider smelled like autumn and tasted just as sweetly. And nothing went to waste. What remained of the apples was saved and fed to the cattle. Even the cows got a sweet treat that day!

Shortly after, I met Charley Mathews. Charley is the youngest brother of Herschel. Harry and Leona Mathews had seven children: Herschel and his twin brother Harry, Mary Jane, Rose Ann, Dorothy, Eva and Charley. Sadly, Dorothy and Eva have passed away. Charley spoke fondly of his parents and being raised on the farm. It was, and still is, a cattle farm. They raised high quality Black Angus that were grain-fed with grain grown on the farm. They had huge gardens and made their own butter and cheeses. “We lived off the land,” said Charley. “I believe the only things were got at the store were spices and sugar.” Charley and a family friend, Sonny Keener, shared many stories from when Sonny helped on the farm. “Payment was in food,” he said with a smile. Weekdays were for working. “You worked and you ate,” remembered Charley. Sometimes, though, they would sneak off to a pond to fish or swim. Their night out was on Saturdays. “It was a buck a carload at the Blue Horizon Drive-In, but one time we took a wagonload,” chuckled Charley.

Finally, I spoke with Marlene (lovingly called Memaw), Herschel’s wife. Marlene, 80, told me the sweetest story. On their first date, Marlene wasn’t quite ready so Herschel decided to milk her cow while he waited. On their wedding day, Marlene brought her cow to the ceremony. “It was my dowry,” she giggled. She and her husband have a life filled with dancing and wonderful memories. Before moving on, she said something that has stuck with me. “We are fortunate.” Then she paused. “No, not fortunate, blessed.”

After chatting to some others and eating my fill of the delicious, abundant food that had been blessed by Pastor Andrew Lawrence of First Baptist Church of Dunkard, I said goodbye. The apple press was still in full swing. Everyone, including me, was given a gallon. The Mathews family is one of the friendliest and most welcoming families I have ever met. I drove away feeling very fortunate...no, blessed.