GEM Staffer
The 12th Annual Dairy Convention was held in Pennsylvania at the
Beaver Springs fairground this past summer. Each year I would check
our show directory for the location of this convention. I was
delighted to find out from Dr. Paul Dettloff, who I’ve
conversed with over the years, the Dairy Convention, Swap Meet and
Auction would be held in Pennsylvania for 1998. This time I
didn’t need to do much talking to convince my husband Ken to
attend. He grew up on a farm and milking cows was one of his
chores. To be quite honest, I didn’t exactly know what to
expect.
The first sight, after we pulled into the fairgrounds, was an
impressive display by Martha’s Milk House owned by Jim and
Martha Roberts of Scio, New York. They were eager to identify and
explain all the gadgets found on this display on wheels. In the
picture below, you will see a giant milk bottle on the left. Jim
found and restored this oddity. He thought it was a gadget that was
used to return milk bottles and allow you to receive your deposit.
After seeing this contraption work, one would question whether any
bottles landed in the bottom in one piece. If you know of any
gadget like this, Jim is looking for more information about his
find. You can contact him at 5026 Middaugh Hill, Scio, NY
14880.
We entered one of the two big buildings that housed displays and
dairy items for sale or trade. Needless to say, I was quite excited
when I saw the many kinds of cream separators, churns, milkers,
advertising and just about anything dealing with dairy collecting.
Boy, did I learn a lot that day talking to the many exhibitors.
What a spirited group–they made us feel comfortable immediately.
So much, that we became members!
I must admit that I fell in love with the cream separators.
I’m attracted to their shape and to the whole idea of the cream
separating from the milk. I guess if you grew up using these
machines, maybe the sight of them wouldn’t seem so exciting.
Looking at the many shapes and sizes, I was getting that urge. I
thought maybe it was because of the atmosphere created by the other
separator lovers and I would get over it after I left the
grounds.
Well, guess what’s in my house! While vacationing in Vermont
in September, we stopped to check out some items at a flea market.
I couldn’t believe what I saw standing in the corner of the
building–a DeLaval separator. The dealer had it apart, so I had to
figure if everything was there. The other concern was the price–I
thought I had a real bargain. This kind of thing is usually not an
easy feat for a novice collector! Ken and the dealer went inside to
take care of the transaction, and both were surprised to find that
I had it all loaded up. I didn’t want him to change his mind! I
couldn’t wait to get back to the cabin after a quick trip into
town to visit the local hardware store. I needed to get cleaning
supplies to find out the model number on the brass tag. Over all,
the separator didn’t need much in the way of cleaning. It
turned out to be DeLaval Junior #3 tabletop model. I was thinking
(this is where Ken knows he’s in trouble) that maybe I would
look for the base to my prize possession. Hey, maybe at the next
convention! I guess it’s a good thing that Ken and I don’t
have a barn! See what can happen after attending a show–the bug
bites.
We weren’t the only ones enjoying the show. During the two
days, more than 200 people signed in from 18 states, Canada, and
even the Netherlands.
Mark your calendar with these dates, you won’t regret it!
The next convention will be held in Bonner Springs, Kansas, at the
Agricultural Hall of Fame on June 26 and 27, 1999. For more
information write to Linda Cooper, Route 1, Box 49A, Malcolm,
Nebraska 68402 or phone her at 402-796-2434.
The Cream Separator and Dairy Newsletter is a publication of the
North American Dairy Foundation. The Purpose of NADF is to collect,
preserve, restore, display and offer for educational purposes
memorabilia of the dairy industry and paraphernalia which has
historical significance and reflects the lifestyle of our
ancestors. For a free sample of the newsletter, contact North
American Dairy Foundation, P. O. Box 32, Arcadia, WI 54612.
