Miller Ice Cream collection
Scope and Contents
The Miller Ice Cream Collection traces the evolution of Miller Dairy Farms, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Contained within two boxes encompassing the years 1964 to 2007, this collection offers a comprehensive narrative. It includes an almost uninterrupted series of the Sundae School Newsletter, articles documenting the triumphs of Miller Dairy Farms, as well as training materials for the ice cream stores, such as the Original Award-Winning Presidential Ice Cream Sundae Poll.
Among other items in this collection are ephemeral items and assorted materials that shed light on the broader context of Miller's Ice Cream and the influential figure of Bryce E. Thomson, the former President of Miller Dairy Farms.
Dates
- Creation: 1964-2007
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Access
The material is stored off site. Please request 3 working days in advance if you wish to use it.
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright is retained by the authors of the items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law. For photocopy and duplication requests, please contact the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections at the Michigan State University Libraries.
Biographical / Historical
Miller Dairy Farms, located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, began producing ice cream in 1896. Founded by Dennis and Mary Miller, the couple initially crafted ice cream using a hand-crank freezer and delivered it by bicycle. They later expanded their business, selling ice cream in 22 Miller stores and through 200 independent dealers throughout Michigan and Indiana. Dennis Miller passed away in 1953 at the age of 83.
Bryce E. Thomson began his career with Miller Dairy Farms in 1940 as a traveling salesman. After completing his military service in 1946, Thomson assumed the role of supervisor for 11 of Miller's ice cream parlors. By 1964, Thomson had been named Vice President of Miller Dairy Farms, eventually rising to the position of President before retiring in 1979. In his post-retirement years, Thomson took on the role of publisher and editor for Ashby’s Ice Cream Dealers’ publication, "The Sundae School Newsletter."
Extent
.63 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
Folders are listed by their location in each box, any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entirety of the collection.
Other Finding Aids
Miller Dairy Farms Records: https://archive.lib.msu.edu/uahc/FindingAids/145.html
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated Jill Thomson Groth in 2018.
Processing Information
Janette Núñez processed this collection in 2023.
Genre / Form
Topical
- Dairy products industry -- Michigan -- Eaton Rapids -- History -- Sources
- Dairy products industry -- Michigan -- History -- Sources
- Ice cream industry -- Michigan -- Eaton Rapids -- History -- Sources
- Ice cream industry -- Michigan -- History -- Sources
- Ice cream parlors -- Michigan -- Eaton Rapids -- History -- Sources
- Ice cream parlors -- Michigan -- History -- Sources
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Miller Ice Cream collection
- Status
- 4 Published And Cataloged
- Author
- Janette Núñez
- Date
- 2023
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections Repository