The Old Tarboro Cotton Press: Juicing Cider, Not Apples, in the 18th Century

The Old Tarboro Cotton Press: Juicing Cider, Not Apples, in the 18th Century

Fancy stepping back a few centuries in Tarboro, North Carolina? You'll struggle not to spot the cheerful ol' Tarboro Cotton Press, a 19th-century fellow's refreshed rendition of an 18th-century apple squeezer.

Before the days of 'Y'all', Tarboro was a peaceful, unpretentious town. The venerable Tarboro Cotton Press, a sturdy fellower, continued to stand, as resilient as southern spirits, having once been an apple presser. One fella, named Isaac Norfleet, saw more than just apples in its future. He grabbed hold of this grand oak gizmo, named 'Tarboro Detroit' just like a sailor snatching a lucky penny from the ocean floor, back in 1738. This mechanical marvel found a cozy spot in the town square, basking under the sun, just like her original roof, which had seen many a season. Underwent a complete refurb in 1976, she's still standing tall, a living embodiment of human ingenuity and ambition, her stories still resonating throughout the eras.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Friendly Jane

Discuss this with the author and others

No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation.