We don't usually think of milk and dairy deliveries to residences in this day and age of supermarkets and convenience stores. However, during the late 19th century and through the mid-20th century, Holyoke was home to several dairies. In 1931, Holyoke hosted over 20 such businesses. Milk and dairy products were delivered by horse-drawn carts and later by trucks to hospitals, schools, restaurants, and residences. One of the more notable companies in the dairy delivery business was Kane Brothers Dairy, today's topic.
John Joseph Kane was born in Holyoke on November 14, 1894, the son of John J. and Bridget (Collins) Kane. The 1900 and 1910 U.S. Censuses show he resided with his family at 9 James Street.
In signing up for the military draft in 1916, he showed his employer as the Crocker McElwain Paper Company.
The 1920 census indicated Mr. Kane worked in the plumbing business and lived with his parents at 35 Lynwood Ave.
In 1922, he started his own dairy business and named it Kane Brothers Dairy. This was located at 548 South St., where he also maintained his residence with his spouse, Etta (Cronin) Kane. It is unclear which of his three brothers was part of the business. In 1926, his company was shown at 3 Alderman Street.
The permanent move occurred around 1932, when the dairy was built and firmly established at 63 Shawmut Avenue. The property was once owned by the Hall Motor Car Company. The brick building was constructed by local contractor William O'Connor.
The company touted a modern plant with sophisticated temperature-controlled equipment. The milk was placed in tightly sealed, sterilized glass containers, ready for delivery to their customers or for pick-up at the plant.
In 1933, the company produced B-Vite Chocolate Drink. The company's advertisements for this and its traditional milk emphasized nutrients and vitamins that promote good health.
At the Holyoke Transcript's cooking school sessions held in the City Hall auditorium in 1936, Kane's milk was the preferred milk for cooking demonstrations. Kane's milk was selected annually into the 1940s.
In 1937, the company unveiled its new refrigerated D-140 International truck, which was equipped with a cork-insulated body. This promoted ideal temperatures for its products year-round weather conditions.
As the business moved into 1940, the company was about to introduce a significant change in marketing and service. The changes for the new era will be revealed in the next chapter.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; publication dates and pages are shown.
Ancestry.com (paid subscription): Price & Lee City Directories, Holyoke, Massachusetts, and other exploration tools
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