Ronny Herring (Ochlocknee, GA) (Updated February 22, 2002) click on images for larger view |
 I was not driving aimlessly through the South Georgia countryside early one Sunday morning when I happened onto Mr. Ronny Herring at his syrup factory (Left), where he produces his “Old South” brand “Kettle Cooked Pure Georgia Cane Syrup.” It would be hard to find a nicer fellow, better syrup, or a more authentic operation, give or take a little stainless and plastic. |
 A Golden # 2x (Right) stands watch over the
operation, greets customers, but is otherwise in retirement. The view
of this Golden # 2x mill is similar to the view of the Golden # 2 posted
at my grandfather’s
site. These similar views permit one to appreciate the longer rollers on this mill. |
 A 1916 7-hp Hercules engine (Left) drives Mr.
Herring’s Golden # 27 (Next two images). I admit to being surprised
to see such an old engine actually doing a job. |
  Golden #27 |
 . The origin of the juice tanks is straightforward. (Left) |
 Image left, shows the inside of the factory,
with three kettles arranged around the center. Note the permanent outside
rim, as seen at several other locations. Another rim is suspended above
each kettle. I hope this photograph conveys the aura of the 1920s,
as being there certainly did. |
 Image left, shows the juice distribution system, which runs to each kettle. |
 Image left, shows four gas burners under a
kettle. The burners are arranged in an H-pattern, with each burner
being on a 4-inch-galvanized branch from the galvanized trunk line.
The distance between the points at which the branches insert is 10 inches.
The branches turn up by use of a ½ x ⅜ Street-L, which is capped.
The cap has a small hole for the gas to escape, and a chimney surrounds each
gas orifice. |