A Little History About the Topstone Area of Redding and Ridgefield

The Geoppler Cider Mill stands on the border of Ridgefield and Redding, the property being partially in Redding, and partially in Ridgefield. The apple orchards were located above the mill, and apples were actively milled (pressed) every fall into delicious rich cider, and another process produced vinegar.

The Geoppler Cider Mill, was more than just a cider mill in the early 1900s. It was also the Post Office and RR Station, called Sanford Railroad Station named for the many families named Sanford.

Mr. Geoppler was the postmaster, but later the post office was renamed Topstone Post Office because the mail became mixed up with the Town of Stamford.

Today, this building is being occupied as a very interesting home.

In the late nineteenth century, a railroad spur was built to the town and provided easy access to New York City and soon attracted wealthy New Yorkers to the cool hills. They built huge summer “cottages” some with over 2,000 acres. In order to service these huge estates, many immigrants were hired and lived in town and today their ancestors own businesses or they commute to New York.

With the Great Depression, most of these huge estates were sold off. Today, they form the basis for the plentiful subdivisions of 2 acres in town. The town Fathers have been careful that the town maintains the open spaces that make Ridgefield a special place to live.

HISTORY OF THE TOPSTONE AREA IN REDDING AND RIDGEFIELD

Casagmo in Ridgefield, CT 06877