History in the making. . .
Hello, my name is Maxine. I
was a prize winning Golden Guernsey from the days when this
property was still a Golden Guernsey production dairy. Folks used to
bring their empty milk pails to the Fin 'n Feather Farm Creamery and take
home fresh milk and milk products. When the restaurant took over the
creamery, in 1929, the name Milk Pail seemed a natural.
My present home is in the Lounge,
and, though semi-retired, I still greet visitors and tell my story to anyone who will
listen. I was here when Max McGraw purchased the patent for the pop-up toaster
and began manufacturing the new contraption in the long white building out back.
Customers loved toasting their own bread and then they could buy one of the new
fang dangled things and take the experience home with them to entertain family and friends
(That was before the days of TV, you know!).
But that, my friend, was the early beginnings of, not only The Milk Pail
Restaurant, Banquet and Entertainment Complex you see here today, but also,
today’s Toastmaster International Corporation. Of course in those days there
was another minor obstacle-- electricity! Hello, opportunity. Ol’ Max then teamed up
with one Thomas Edison to form the McGraw Edison Electric Company.
He wanted to
make sure his customers kept the toast popping. Presently, the 30 acre farm remains surrounded by the McGraw Wildlife
Foundation, a 1,300 acre private game preserve. Since the early 1900’s, located
in this pristine setting, The Milk Pail has
been, and will always remain, a center of hospitality and good food where "Any
occasion is a special occasion." The original farm restaurant, The Country Tea
Room, was in the 1870’s farm house located in the center of the property.
In
February 1999 the farm house was recognized by The National Register of Historic Places
for its role in early commerce and community development. Today, The Milk
Pail remains a family owned and operated
property. We all want to say, "Thank you!" for making this day special
because you’ve chosen to visit us. Enjoy your day and come back real
soon.
Very sincerely,
Maxine
Today's Milk Pail Restaurant Complex
