Eaton Rapids in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Miller Dairy Farm No. 1
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 23, 2021
1. Miller Dairy Farm No. 1 Marker
Inscription.
Miller Dairy Farm No. 1. . In 1896 dairy farmers Dennis and Mary Miller produced ice cream for the first time on this site, using a hand-crank freezer. The 111-acre farm grew into a business with 14 farms, 1,300 acres, 500 Holstein cows, and modern equipment. In 1936 Miller built his own power plant in Smithville, which supplied 40 neighboring farms and houses as well as the factory. During the 1960s 22 Miller stores and 200 independent dealers in Michigan and Indiana carried the brand. Miller’s offered novelty flavors, like dill pickle. Its menu reflected the times. A 1969 Man-on-the-Moon menu featured a Sea of Tranquility Float and an Apollo 11 Sundae. The Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society acquired the property in 1992.
In 1896 dairy farmers Dennis and Mary Miller produced ice cream for the first time on this site, using a hand-crank freezer. The 111-acre farm grew into a business with 14 farms, 1,300 acres, 500 Holstein cows, and modern equipment. In 1936 Miller built his own power plant in Smithville, which supplied 40 neighboring farms and houses as well as the factory. During the 1960s 22 Miller stores and 200 independent dealers in Michigan and Indiana carried the brand. Miller’s offered novelty flavors, like dill pickle. Its menu reflected the times. A 1969 Man-on-the-Moon menu featured a Sea of Tranquility Float and an Apollo 11 Sundae. The Eaton Rapids Area Historical Society acquired the property in 1992.
Erected 2007 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L692.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 42° 30.566′ N, 84° 38.591′ W. Marker is in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in Eaton County. Marker is on State Street, 0.2 miles west of Greyhound Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 635 State St, Eaton Rapids MI 48827, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
