Cheese Factories of Eastern Ontario

From 1900 to the mid 1950s cheese making was one of Eastern Ontario’s largest industries.  The industry was fatefully curtailed at the end of World War II, as much of the cheese was sold to England.  Under strict rationing, the British market collapsed eliminating the producer’s major market.  This loss of income coupled with new costs arising from Ontario Health Board safety requirements, meant that cheese makers could not afford the upgrades and the cheese making industry disappeared everywhere Eastern Ontario except for St. Albert’s.

Robert Smith’s cheese factory and residence, Newington, Ontario, 1933.

This photograph was donated to the museum by the “Standard-Freeholder in 1997.

This receipt was donated to the Museum by Cornwall Electric in 2008.

This document was donated to the museum by Cornwall Electric in 2008.

Edwards Cheese Factory and Cornwall Electric sub-station, 1943.

This photograph was donated to the Museum by Cornwall Electric in 2008.

Moulinette January 2, 1872

Dear Sirs:

I see you have advertised for a cheese maker I would like to work for you this sumer (sic) I will work for $295 for the season and furnish my own help and board.

Yours truly

Cirtus Brownell, Moulinette

Our agreement made and entered into the 28th day of January in the year of our Lord 1888.

Between Levi W. Groves, Joel Eastman, Jacob H. Fickes, Robert Mullin and Daniel McKay in the Township of Cornwall  Directors of the Cornwall Centre Cheese Factory and Curtis Brownell of the same place Cheese Maker.  Whereas the said Curtis Brownell pursuant to public advertisement have offered by tender to manufacture the cheese at the said Cornwall Centre Cheese Factory, during the season of 1888, at and for the sum of $295, and the said tender having been accepted by the aforesaid directors of the said cheese factory.

It is witnessed that in consideration of the sum of $295  to b e paid by the Directors  of the aforesaid Cornwall Cheese Factory  to the said Curtis Brownell on the days and at the times herein after mentioned the said Curtis Brownell doth agree with the said Directors to furnish all the necessary materials for the making of the same, and the said Curtis Brownell further agrees that he will make good any loss that may be sustained by any defect of his in the manufacturing of the cheese, and the said Curtis Brownell agrees to commence work on the first day of May  next and to remain 15 days after the close or until the cheese is fully curd in the fall.  And the said Directors agree to pay the said Curtis Brownell $12 per month and to be paid up in full within 10 days after the closing up of the Factory, the witness whereof the parties hereto set their hands and seal the day and year first above written.

signed, sealed and delivered

in presence of R. Anderson