700 Main St.

Summary

Prentice Co-operative Creamery Company
700 Main Street, Prentice, Price County
Architect: None
Date of construction: 1906

This utilitarian building was originally constructed by the U.S. Leather Company to house animal hides. The main block of the building is constructed of brick and is one and a half stories tall. Its simple construction was typical of small scale industrial buildings of the early twentieth century. Steep gable roofs cover the building along with large metal vents that were a common feature of dairy operations.

Following the passage of Wisconsin's Cooperative Law of 1911, the Prentice Co-operative Creamery Company began operations here in 1915. The 1911 law emphasized service at cost and the personal nature of membership. The Prentice Co-operative Creamery Company played a crucial role in the growth and improvement of area dairy farms as farms were being created from the county's cut-over lands.

From the time of its opening, the creamery received great attention from the local newspaper with production data often appearing on the front page. The county agricultural agent also promoted the creamery by offering technical advice to farmers and admonitions to residents to support the new enterprise. In less than two years, production increased eighteen-fold.

A downturn in the economy eventually led to the closing of the creamery in the 1940s. The building is currently in use as an industrial building and is not open to the public.

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