1

In the early 1800's many settlers arrived in Oxford County. Many of these settlers were dairy farmers or looking to become dairy farmers. As there was no refrigeration at this time, the excess milk that would otherwise spoil would be turned into butter or cheese. In the home these tasks would be done by the women.

2

It was a woman named Lydia Ranney who came to Oxford County from Vermont in 1834 that helped to shape cheese making in the area. To help pay their way Lydia began teaching and eventually, when their dairy prospered, she began teaching cheese making. Her many new ideas and innovations spread to the young women of the area as the cheese making industry began to bloom.

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Shirley talks about the Ranney Family and the cheese making school started by Lydia Ranney
2008
Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada

4

Lydia's daughter Julia, who was also proficient in cheese making, now had a suitor in James Harris. James himself had experience in the dairy industry and in 1865 he built his own cheese factory in Ingersoll, the first built in the town.

5

The Harris Cheese Factory
1865-1885
Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada

6

By 1866 there were many cheese factories surrounding the town and it was necessary to find a way to advertise the cheese in other markets. It was decided that a Mammoth Cheese should be produced that could tour around these markets and attract attention. The milk from approximately 2500 cows on 250 farms was processed in separate factories and was then brought to a special structure created specifically for the Mammoth Cheese where it was combined in a giant steel hoop, pressed for eight days and cured for seven.

7

Banner Cheese Factory
1915
Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

8

Galloway Cheese Factory
1865?
Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

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Salford Cheese Factory
Late 19th to Early 20th Century
Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

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Red Star Cheese Factory
1895
Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

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William Harris Cheese Factory
1870?
Mt. Elgin, Ontario, Canada

12

Spring Creek Cheese Factory
Late 19th Century
Woodstock, Ontario, Canada

13

West Zorra Cheese Factory
1889?
Oxford County, Ontario, Canada

14

When it was finished the cheese weighed 7300 lbs and was 6ft 10 inches across, 21 feet round and 3 feet high. The cheese was transported to the train station by wagon where it was loaded onto the train amongst a crowd of local residents and dairymen. After speeches were made by the men who'd produced the cheese, it was sent to Saratoga for the New York State Fair. The Cheese then made it's way to England and France where it established Canadian cheese, with Ingersoll in particular, as a quality cheese that became very popular.