photography by Maggie Clark
Molly the mule was hard a work on the circle while the cane slowly grinde down. Nearby was a engine-powered grinder that worked even faster. Steve Melton explained, as Molly trudged along "This is how we used to do it in Florida."

                                                                                               Video by Maggie Clark

Melton held a cane grinding this month at his Pasco County and invited neighbors to join in the activity. Throughout Florida people used to grow sugar cane, harvested the stalks in the fall, squeezed the stalks into juice and then boiled the juice into sweet syrup they sprinkled into coffee or over pancakes or even meat. A cane grinding was also a social gathering in Florida. Steve explained that  making cane syrup helps him keep in touch with the past.  'It's our heritage,'' Steve Melton said as he directed his crew to finish up the cane boil.

On the nearby  porch there unamplified old time music with  a banjo, guitar, fiddle, a mandolin player and  a washtub bass. Knitting and other activites took place, along with many other traditional pastimes. Luther Rozar wore overalls and was seen explaining some of the old machines to the young men. Steve Melton has been collecting  old tractors and farm tools for many years. He has antique machines that years ago dug holes and planted seed and harvested corn. The village blacksmith, Lewis Riggleman, was present and demonstrating using Melton's forge.

There was also  has a working grist mill where they grind wheat.

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People would gather around the vat and share in the experience. The cane syrup goes well with biscuits that were being made fresh for the occasion. The event has become a community activity that many local people enjoy. It is a very traditional event that allowed us to share our country heritage. We are grateful for Steve Milton and family sharing this tradition.