CONCLUSION

No mention has been made of the priceless value of the animal that is able to turn green grass into white milk. However, it goes without saying that the farmer who was dedicated to his work, who looked after his animals with good food and dry shelter, was the one who reaped the greatest prof— it from production.

One question which remains in my mind is why did the factory close at such an early date? Could it not have been kept operating for more years than it was? After discussions with factory people who were involved with the factory, it would appear that the answer lies with the farmers who gave the greatest support to the factory. The majority lived to the East of the Stanley Bridge. From this area came the long-standing Presidents, Secretaries, as well as many Directors. By the mid 1930’s, the National Park officials had acquired lands along the shores of Cavendish, which resulted in the exodus of farmers to other areas. This meant that they were now in the New Glasgow Creamery area. Rising cost in wages, operating expenses, and exorbitant prices needed to replace most of the machinery at the factory resulted in the phasing out of this operation as well as many others across the Province.

The farmers to the East of the bridge opted to send their cream to the New Glasgow Dairying Company. Those to the West were to send theirs to Russell Champion & Sons, or the Kensington Dairying Company. In June, 1945, the Kensington Dairying Company bought the Champion Factory, and remained in operation until 1953, when the dairying company joined with other areas to form the Amalgamated Dairies Limited, with the head office in Summerside. This Company has produced high quality dairy products and in recent years has become the con— trolling agent for the dispersal of Island dairy products - on Island, or off-Island. The ADL (as it is called today) is the distributor for all products used by Islanders whether fresh or frozen - paper - fish - or cereals. They provide a wonderful service for the retailing business.

With modern thought and production taking over the country, “like a storm”, modernizing pres- sures too great to overcome; the Directors disbanded their operation, finally closing the production system in April 1946, when the building and equipment was sold.

The last cream cheque in April 1945, must have brought sadness to many people along the North Shore as each one connected to this lucrative operation realized that “the old order changeth, yielding place to new”. This new way meant that cream had to be transported a greater distance. Those who were employed near their homes were now unemployed. Costs for all material things were rising, and work somewhere must be found to provide for the necessities of life. As men strove to find employment in other areas, one may conclude, very honestly, that with the closing of the Stanley Bridge Dairying Company, went one link in keeping community life active.

This landmark has spanned the lives of three generations in the area, but for many of the residents in the community today, it is an unknown entity.

(see Appendix for further information on Stanley Bridge Dairy)

Wexley Keefe Cheexemuker and bultermaker ~Stanley Bridge Dairy/rum 19/4-1933

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