The Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company

Founded sometime between 1890 and 1895, the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company reflects the growing importance of dairy in Wisconsin, and provides an example of the new technology available to producers. The Wisconsin Butter and Cheese company went out of business around 1920, after being adopted by the Harris Dairy Product Company. Despite this, it remains a lasting legacy to the importance of dairy production in Waukesha and in Wisconsin in general.

The Wisconsin Butter and Cheese company began sometime in the early to mid 1890's, appearing on an 1895 map of the area. There is little information about who exactly worked at or ran the company, although it is known that George D. Puffer functioned as the secretary-treasurer at one point.

In 1908 the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company introduced pasteurization as a new process. This followed the trend of pasteurization, which first influenced dairy production in the late 1800's. Considered a revolutionary process, the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company heavily advertised it. The company purchased their pasteurization machine at a dairy show held at the Coliseum in Chicago, and it had the capacity to process 3000 LBs of milk per hour.

Although little is known about the individuals involved with the company, one name does stand out. George B. Harris, born in 1893, worked as a milk expert and secretary. In 1915 he joined the board of control, and eventually became president of the board as well as president of the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company.

In 1917 the Harris Dairy Products Company replaced the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company, building a brand new, state of the art facility on the location of the former Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company storage building. It was a two story building, and produced ice cream as well as other dairy products. The Harris company advertised the sanitary conditions of the building, as well as the new technology used to produce their products. However, on June 22, 1917, almost six inches of rain fell, destroying the retaining walls built by the dairy company and the Wilbur Lumber Company. It is unknown if this contributed to the downfall of the company, but as of 1921 the company is not listed in any directories.

During its existence, the Wisconsin Butter and Cheese Company, as well as the Harris Dairy Products Company, led the way in technological advances and sanitary production. Their stories reflect the changing practices surrounding dairy in the 1800's and early 1900's, as well as the growing importance of dairy in Wisconsin's economy.

"After 63 Years Building's Life May Come to Close." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) December 4th, 1980.

"By Method of Pasteur." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) December 31st, 1908. , 1.

"Comment on Appointment of Geo. B. Harris." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) August 5, 1915. .4.

George Blaine Harris, FamilySearch. Accessed August 12th, 2022. https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/sources/9VL1-95D.

"Morrissey Gets Board Position Held by Harris." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) January 19th, 1923.

"The New Model Dairy Plant of the Harris Dairy Products Company." The Waukesha Freeman (Waukesha) May 3rd, 1917.