As the dairy industry developed an organized distribution system emerged. Two creameries were established in the Chilliwack area and both were successful ventures. Edenbank Creamery, based in Sardis, was built by A.C. Wells in 1885 and became British Columbia's first co-operative in 1896. Members received payment based on the butterfat content of the milk.
Its competitor, the Chilliwack Creamery, began production in1902. This creamery was first located at the corner of Young Road and Cheam Avenue but later moved further along Young Road to Creamery Road. The onset of the creamery operations was an indicator of the strengthening dairy industry in the Chilliwack Valley.
The arrival of the British Columbia Electric Railway in 1910 allowed farmers to ship milk directly to Vancouver, eliminating slower transportation by paddlewheel boats. By 1911, Edenbank had expanded to include a wholesale enterprise at City Market, Main Street in Vancouver.
A third organization, the Fraser Valley Milk Producers' Association, formed in 1917, eventually became the sole co-operative marketing and producing organization for the industry.
Although the earlier creameries are no longer in operation, reminders of their existence remain. Creamery Road, located off Young Road, is named after the Chilliwack Creamery. The Edenbank Trade Store built around 1907 is located on Vedder Road. These historical sites are reminders of not only the growth of the dairy industry but also the achievements of the early settlers in the valley.
Group portrait in front of the Edenbank Creamery in Sardis. P5717.