Agriculture

Early settlers grew vegetables and raised animals for personal use but larger, commercial farms quickly developed in the town. Dairying, in particular, became a major industry starting in the mid-1800s. By the 1890s, the Ridge Farms Creamery manufactured 250 pounds of cheese a day, and the Excelsior Creamery produced 70,000 pounds of butter a year. Two Granges supported the work of farmers. Veteran Grange No. 1108 was organized in 1907 and still meets today. Sullivanville Grange No. 1305 was organized in 1913 and was absorbed into the Veteran organization in 1949 when it disbanded.