The first Humboldt creamery, known as the Central Creamery Company, was established by O.W. Andreasen. The creamery, located south of the tracks, was completed at a cost of $4,000 and began operation in June 1906. During the first year of operation (June-December), 32,000 pounds of butter was manufactured. In 1909, the output of butter totalled 100,000 pounds. Andreasen was born in Denmark but later moved to Manitoba. It was in 1905, approximately, that he moved to Humboldt from Winnipeg. While managing the creamery, Andreasen became the first mayor of Humboldt, a position he held from 1907 to 1914. He lived in Humboldt for over 20 years, moving to Saskatoon when he became manager of Co-op Creameries. In 1924 the creamery was sold to Saskatchewan Co-operative Creameries Association Ltd., and B.J. Hansen became manager in 1928. A new, bigger creamery was built on the west side of Park Street (now known as 7th Street), and was completed in February 1942. The buildings were a storey and a half with the main building measuring 30 x 95 feet. There was plenty of room for offices, a cream and butter department,and a produce, egg |
and poultry department. By 1942, Humboldt's creamery was a very important industry, employing more people than any other local business at that time. During the three years prior to 1942, approximately 20 sub-stations were established in the district, all under the supervision of the local creamery. On New Year's Eve 1965, the creamery was destroyed by a fire which broke out in the loft of the egg grading station building which adjoined the creamery building on the south. The cause was suspected to be the wiring. The loss in buildings and equipment was placed at $200,000. The creamery was rebuilt on 7th Street. By 1975 however, there had been nothing manufactured there for over a year since farmers had been getting out of the dairy business. In May 1975, a group of local businessmen purchased the creamery, now known as the Dairy Producers Co-operative Ltd. creamery, converting part of the building into offices and leasing out the other part to the creamery. Law offices and the Carlton Trail Community College now occupy the previous creamery location. |
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