In scrolling down Facebook this morning, I noticed a posting from Parker’s Historic Cider Mill and Farmer’s Market that today is Jim Parker’s birthday. The post invited us to come down and wish him well, they would be open till 5:30. Now, my friend Tracy and I had been to the Farmer’s Market yesterday to purchase cider for the Halloweddinganniversaweenary festivities. However, to wish a nice man a happy birthday is an excellent reason for another quick trip to Ilion, NY.
Jim Parker is a local folk artist of some note. He draws lovely, detailed pictures of local, historical scenes. Steven and I both have t-shirts of his prints, I gave Steven a print for Christmas one year, and I periodically purchase cards of his prints for when I need to write a short note. We love his stuff. Additionally, Jim is a friendly, interesting man. Many times when we have gone to the Farmer’s Market we have found ourselves having an absorbing conversation about arts, the Amish, history and other things.
I was happy we were taking a short drive, because there are still a lot of fall colors to enjoy. We pulled over the wooden bridge to Clapsaddle Farm on Otsego Street and made our way back to the Cider Mill. I paused to take a picture of the front of the mill, because I had brought with me one of the disposable cameras purchased for last night’s party (yes, I still live in the 20th century; you knew that about me). A lady came from a nearby woodpile to help us.
“We came to wish Jim a happy birthday,” I said. “But, of course we’re going to buy something, too.” We didn’t need any cider. There was maple syrup, but Steven had purchased some of that on a recent trip to Vermont. “How about some fresh donuts? Shall we each get one for $1 or should we do six for $5?” Steven suggested six for $5. When the lady helping us noticed there were only seven left in the box, she generously gave us seven for $5.
“We also need cheese,” I reminded Steven. All our cheese had gotten eaten at the party. There were several different flavors from Stoltzfus Family Dairy in Vernon Center. Steven picked garlic and dill.
Jim was out by the woodpile, getting his exercise, he told us. We wished him a very happy birthday and got a nice picture of the three of us.
We each ate one of the donuts as we drove away. It was a nice little visit. I think I’ll eat some of the cheese now. For more information on Parker’s Historic Cider Mill and Farmer’s Market, you can Like them on Facebook. Or go visit, and you can like them in person.
Mohawk Valley Girl 