Ferndale in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The First California Central Creamery

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 28, 2013

1. The First California Central Creamery Marker

Inscription. This site, originally R.A. Simpson's Ferndale Mechanical Shop, and shared by A. Monroe Cider and Vinegar Company, was chosen in 1904 by Aage Jensen as the founding location of the Central Creamery with first production of butter in September, uniting several small independent plants. In 1905 the company adopted the name of California Central Creameries and eventually became the mother plant of the Golden State Company, Ltd., where numerous steps in western dairy production, including dry milk were pioneered. The first motorized milk tank truck in America was in use here in 1914.

Dedicated by the
Native Sons of the Golden West.
February 12, 1983
Joseph Ursino Grand President
In memory of Joseph G. Oeschger Past Grand President N.S.G.W.
A native of Ferndale

Erected 1983 by Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 1983.

Location. 40° 35.206′ N, 124° 15.471′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Milton Avenue on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1400 Main Street, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s North Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast

and in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Lenses (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ferndale (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Shaw House (approx. 0.6 miles away); The House That Troy Built (approx. 0.6 miles away); Along the Banks of Salt River (approx. 0.7 miles away); Ferndale Museum (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Gazebo (approx. ¾ mile away); Blackburn Law Office (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ferndale.

The First California Central Creamery - Now Cream City Mall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 28, 2013

2. The First California Central Creamery - Now Cream City Mall

The marker is visible here, mounted to a low cement monument between the two planters to the left of the red doors.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2013, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,323 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2013, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.