Smith Dairy Products Company, an Orrville OH-based regional maker of dairy products, beverages, and ice cream, is looking back in 2009 during its year-long 100th anniversary celebration that includes special events, exhibits, production of a retrospective video and book, and an ice cream social.
The firm will formally commemorate its centennial June 19 by hosting a community open house and ice cream social with family-oriented entertainment for the general public and company associates. Earlier in the day, the company will welcome key customers, vendors, producers, Orrville officials, and industry leaders to a special luncheon.
In honor of its 100 years in business, Smith Dairy has produced Our First Century: 1909–2009, a heritage video and accompanying book, which will be distributed later this year to Ohio libraries and historical societies. The video is available to view at www.smithdairy.com.
On January 1, 1909, using $500 they had saved and $300 they borrowed from a neighbor, brothers John J. and Peter Schmid bought two horses, two wagons, some milk bottles, cans, dippers, and a hand-cranked freezer to begin daily deliveries to Orrville homes. A hundred years, two major facilities expansions, and many technological innovations later, Smith Dairy is still family-owned. Steve and John Schmid, grandsons of founder John J., are the current president and vice president, respectively.
