"I was thinking the other day how many things we made for ourselves instead of buying. Apple cider was kept in a crock jug until it became vinegar. I don't know how long that took. I just remember we always had a vinegar jug sitting just inside the door leading to the cellar. In later years, Mom bought vinegar when she was canning pickles. It took twelve days to do the pickles. You went to the grape vine and cut off leaves and layered them in a three gallon crock, followed directions of changing the water and etc. Those pickles were so good. Mom always served them when we had company."
I believe the crock jug must have looked something like this one. I have been searching for one of these and for a layering crock with a lid for some time at garage sales but they are very pricey so I have yet to purchase one.
Ever the do-it-yourselfer I am intrigued. In lieu of a crock like above, I am going to use a 1/2 gallon mason jar to start and just keep it in a closet as you are supposed to keep it away from light. Since this is the time of year I am buying up bushels of apples to can and dry I will be giving this a go. I will post more when I know if I was successful!