Germantown, Maryland is home to the historic roadside icon, the Cider Barrel. The original Cider Barrel was built by Andrew Baker in 1922, a local insurance entrepreneur, who also developed the Ballincara Mansion, the Selby/Soderberg House and Livery Stable, and the original Germantown Bank. It was constructed during the height of the Prohibition Era, which had outlawed the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol. Baker made and sold fresh non-alcoholic cider, and produce out of the Cider Barrel. Visitors would take road trips from as far away as Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia to taste the famous cider. After Baker’s death in 1930, Christopher and Minnie Norton bought the property, adding a restaurant that served fried chicken dinners mainly for patrons of the Neelesville Presbyterian Church just up the road. In 1946, William Cross took over the business. The Cider Barrel became so popular that it was declared an American roadside attraction in 1988.
Due in part to growth and development in the region, the Cider Barrel has been closed since 2003. The Germantown Historical Society worked diligently to get the Cider Barrel added to the Maryland Historical Trust’s Most Endangered Historic Places list. Now, Hopkins and Porter and a local resident are in the process of reviving the Cider Barrel. Hopkins and Porter is in the process of restoring some internal features to the structure, while preserving the historical exterior of the building. Hopkins & Porter has extensive experience in remodeling and historic renovations so we’re confident great care is being taken to preserve all original elements within the Cider Barrel. Founded in 1977 in Potomac, MD; this award-winning residential design/build team company will make sure our community is proud of the final results. With a target opening of Spring, 2020 the Cider Barrel will be a community-based outlet for local farmers to sell fresh produce, apple cider, flowers and other goodies.
