Save A Community Cider Tradition

A Community Cider Tradition

Steven and Greg Jordan, two brothers in Longmont, Colorado, have been running a non-commercial, home-built cider operation since 1978. It has become an annual tradition, with an ever-growing group of family and friends participating--they bring in apples from far and wide, they work together, and they produce delicious cider to share. It's a unique community tradition with a rich local history.

Here's a taste of what it's like to be there:
For a breakdown of each of the different functions of the cider operation, see this post.

A Tragic Loss

Tragically, the barn housing much of the cidermaking equipment--as well as the machine shop tools from which Steven makes his living--recently burned to the ground along with all its contents.

Before:

The Fire:

After:

The Press Coverage:

Couple loses machine shop to overnight barn fire northeast of Longmont

Weld County barn fire doused by five departments; destroys structure

5 fire departments fight barn fire near Highway 66 and County Road 1 in Longmont

What Equipment Was Lost?

Equipment lost specific to the cider operation, with estimated replacement costs:

-300 gallon refrigerated milk tank ($5000)
-Water re-circulation pump ($250-$350)
-Grinder and motor ($150-$200)
-Hydraulic pump for the press ($500-$800)
-Heavy extension cords($400-800)
-Press cloths ($320)
-Press rack materials ($1500)
-Wooden cheese forms ($200-$400)
-Peristaltic press pump and motor ($400)
-Vane pump ($60)
-Pressure washer ($350-$450)
-Pressure plate for the top of the cheese stack ($100)

What Now?

It's a heavy blow, particularly to Steven's livelihood as a machinist, and also to the cider operation. Both would take extensive effort, time, and financial resources to rebuild.

But we refuse to let the story end there.

What Can You Do? Donate To Help Us Rebuild!

Please donate what you can--proceeds will go to Steven Jordan to help him rebuild.

Or, if you have information on donation sources for the specific equipment above, leave us a comment and we'll look into it. 

Our goal is to bring back this cider operation even stronger than before, so that future generations have the opportunity to experience the hard work, do-it-yourself American Ingenuity, and sweet rewards of a truly authentic community tradition.

Thank you for tour time and for your support!