Oldtime residents of Saguache will know the location when I speak of the Creamery. Undoubtedly, many newcomers to our area have seen and wondered about this building, located near the curve on the way to Hillside Cemetery.

In the past couple of years this property has undergone a face-lift, a new roof, stucco, new tree plantings. The new owner, Newell Van Pelt from Vernon, Texas comes in the summer and is gradually converting the 90-year-old structure into a lovely home.

Thanks to Vi Sorrel, who researched old records for a Saguache Woman’s Club report, several years ago - here is some history of “The Saguache Co. Creamery”:

On March 23, 1906 the directors of “The Saguache County Creamery Co.” signed a certificate of Incorporation - present were M. N. Jordan, Geo. H. Curtis, W. A. Johnson, M. J. Woodard, Carl L. Marold, John Farrington and W. F. Boyd. John Farrington was instructed to draw up plans and specifications for a building suitable for a creamery. An offer was read and accepted from Geo. H. Curtis for a building site.

April 6, 1906 - President Jordan had a well dug for $30. He was also instructed to have the ground cleared at a cost of $5.00 and to have it surveyed as soon as possible. Mr. Farrington was to receive $20 for plans and specifications. Three bids had been received on the building: J. J. Keller $1443.00; Howard and Buchanan $1375.00; Farrington and Son $1320. Farrington and Son were awarded the contract. The building was to be completed by the 1st day of July, 1906.

Candelario Borrego (Ramie Ziegler’s father) was awarded a contract to erect a fence around the creamery grounds for $30.

May 12, 1906 - John S. Gardner was awarded a contract to install the machinery in the creamery for $1700. Perry Campbell was engaged to run the creamery at a salary of $50 per month.

Special meeting Aug. 3, 1906— Gus Ritter was hired to keep the books and attend to the correspondence for a salary not to exceed $15 per month. The buttermilk was sold to Mike Jordan for 3 cents a gallon and given an option for one year at that rate.

The name “Columbine” was adopted as the brand name for the butter manufactured, but since the name was already in use by a Denver firm, the name was changed to “Saguache Butter”. The butter on hand was sold to Gotthelf and Tarbell Merc. to be retained at 25 cents a pound. (The price would be regulated so that Gotthelf and Tarbell Merc. would not make less than a cent a pound for handling.)  At the Sept. meeting, it was decided that the Creamery would pay 20 cents a pound for butterfat. At the Dec. meeting - Farrington was instructed to erect an ice house with board outside walls, with shingle roof and painted for the sum of $167. Geo. W. Hazard was contracted to put up the ice - the cost of same to be applied on a share of stock. It was also agreed to obtain the sawdust from Keller.

(Today’s price of butter at a local store is $2.40 a pound.)