SWAN (Southwest Area) in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Valley City Milling Company

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021

1. Valley City Milling Company Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1884 William N. Rowe, Conrad G. Swensberg, M. S. Crosby, and R. M. Lawrence founded the Valley City Milling Company in Grand Rapids. The company, which at first milled flour, expanded to include horse feed in 1893. Incorporated in 1894, it remained in Grand Rapids until 1923, when fire destroyed its facilities. In 1924 the company moved to Portland. It began producing dog food in 1931. Company brands included Lily White Flour, Rowena Dog Diets, Rowena Quality Feeds, and Rolling Champion Self-rising Flour. Manufacture of commercial feed and dog food ceased in 1958. The company continued to make flour until it sold its flour brands to a Nebraska firm in 1970. In 1973 the Valley City Milling Company opened a mobile home park in Portland.

Erected 1986 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1125.)

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 1884.

Location. 42° 57.881′ N,

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85° 40.599′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in the SWAN (Southwest Area). Marker is on Front Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling east. Marker is just west of The Blue Foot Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Rapids MI 49504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Noahquageshik (a few steps from this marker); Furniture Industry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Baw-wa-ting (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Baw-wa-ting (about 600 feet away); Log Jam of 1883 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand River Bridges (approx. 0.2 miles away); Betty Ford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gerald R. Ford (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 3, 2021

2. Valley City Milling Company Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 104 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.