January 16, 2004

NEWSRELEASE

For Immediate Release

For further information, Stephen Mountain at 543-4555 or Ray Nadaskay at (973) 539-5353.

  Mendham Township Acquires Ralston Cider Mill Property

            The Township of Mendham completed its acquisition of the Ralston Cider Mill at a closing held on January 8, 2004 .

            The closing culminates a two year effort by the Township to preserve the mill property from future development. The mill, located on Route 510 in the Ralston section of the Township, is a historic structure listed on the national register of historic sites and among 10 most endangered historic properties in Morris County .

            “Preserving the cider mill property has been a goal of the Township Committee for many years and we are very excited to finally close on the deal” said Mayor Robert Pierson. He added further, “The cider mill property is a critical link to our community’s rural/industrial past and its purchase will allow this landmark to be preserve and restored.”

            Under the terms of the agreement the Township the mill property was acquired from its previous owner, Samuel and Sarah Fornaro for the total sale price of $900,000. The acquisition costs were funded by a $400,000 grant from the Morris County Open Space Trust and $500,000 from the Township’s local open space trust.

            The Township will lease the mill to the Trustees of the Ralston Cider Mill, a non-profit corporation consisting of Township residents Ray Nadaskay, Pat Maynard and Carolyn Daly and Mendham Borough resident, Tony Bastardi. Under the terms of the lease the Trustees will preserve and restore the Mill to a working Cider Mill Museum that will be open to the public for interpretive and educational experiences for school
groups, residents and researchers.

            The Trust has been actively engaged in fund raising and planning. To date, they have received grants from the 1772 Foundation, Alan Kirby Foundation and Morris County in excess of $75,000. Ray Nadaskay indicated that "these funds are being used to prepare a preservation plan outlining the work to be done to restore the Mill and equipment".

            Residents interested in learning more about the Ralston Cider Mill Trust and plans for the mill’s restoration should contact Ray Nadaskay at (973) 539-5353.