DeKalb Milk Consumers Association Records

The DeKalb Milk Consumers Association was founded in 1917 by a group of Finns from the local area. The original shop was located in the basement of a grocery store called the Finnish Mercantile Company. Initially individual members, i.e. , those who had bought one share at ten dollars cost, would come to the store and pick up the milk they needed. Eventually delivery service was introduced and the Co-op grew rapidly. The original dairy purchased raw milk from area farmers, poured it through screens and separated out impurities. Between 1926 and 1930 the Association enlarged and modernized its facilities and introduced butter and cottage cheese to its product line. In later years, cream, 2% milk, and skim milk were also added. In 1956 the Milk Association incorporated to protect individuals against liabilities. By the early l960's the Co-op was becoming less Finn-dominated and more involved with local competition (Meadow Gold) and federal regulations. In 1963-1964 the Co-op decided to become a delivery service only and began to buy its products from the Pure Milk Association (Dairy Lanes) of Wisconsin. Increasing difficulties with finances, personnel, competition and federal/state enforced regulations forced the Milk Consumers Cooperative to sell out to the Muller Pinehurst Company in 1966.

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