Description

Curds and Whey

Lavishly illustrated, this book presents the history of the creameries, cheese factories, and dairy farms in Coos and Curry Counties in Southwestern Oregon, including:

The unique history of the early creameries and cheese factories in Southwestern Oregon, where they were located, what they produced along with individual stories about each.
A documentation of pioneer dairy farmers who made the dairy industry a major part of the early economy of Southwestern Oregon.
How the “mosquito fleet” of riverboats were key in supporting the dairy industry—getting milk to market, and to butter and cheese factories in the region.
All supported by unique photographs, charts, and interesting stories.

In 2021, there were 7,500 beef cattle in Coos County, Oregon and about 3,700 dairy cows. One-hundred years ago, there were 11,000 dairy cows and less than 2,000 beef cattle in the county; and by 1940 the statistics continued to favor dairying with over 15,300 milk cows reported in Coos County and only 1,700 beef cattle.

What changed? You’ll find out in Curds and Whey: A History of the Creameries and Cheese Factories in Coos and Curry Counties, Oregon.

William A. “Bill” Lansing

2024