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Approximately 100 years ago, in the early 1920’s John S. Longacre, father of Daniel E. Longacre would rise early with the sun, milk his herd of dairy cattle on the farm and begin his daily milk deliveries to neighboring homes in the villages of Barto & Eshbach communities in Berks County. |
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Refrigerators did not replace the cold cellars until the late 1920’s making it essential to have milk delivered two or three times daily. Traveling by horse-drawn wagon, John sold 100 to 200 quarts of RAW milk daily, dipped directly out of a large 10-gallon metal milk can placed securely on the back of his wooden wagon.
Daniel E. Longacre, followed in his father’s footsteps by establishing one of the largest independent and few-remaining dairies in this area. Along with his wife, Kathryn H. Longacre they decided to build a small processing plant on a parcel of the farmland to facilitate new modernized equipment to pasteurize glass-bottled milk. This new plant facility was built in 1942. Homogenizing milk began later. This small building is now part of a much larger facility employing in excess of approximately 30 - 40 people. |
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The business has seen immense changes since John’s humble beginnings – some of these changes are in processing and packaging of not only milk products but also homemade ice cream as well.
Today the company processes and packages predominantly Ice Cream, Ice Cream Mixes and Fresh Milk from local Farmers which is sold in our Dairy Store/Bar.
Growth and innovation have been achieved steadily since the days of John S. Longacre’s home-route deliveries in the early part of the 20th century. However, one factor has remained constant: a tradition of family service and quality of our products. |
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The business today remains a Longacre family enterprise. Overseeing the day-to-day operations are 3rd and 4th generation family members: Daniel. T. Longacre (President), Daniel (Danny) T. Longacre (Vice President) and JoAnn Longacre (General Manager).
The last 100 years of being present in our community would not have been possible without our wonderful customers. Perhaps you have been a regular, loyal customer coming back again and again for your favorites. Perhaps you are a new customer or perhaps you are passing through the area and stopped for a bite to eat. To each and every one of you, we say “THANK YOU for being our customer.” Your patronage has kept us going for 100 years, you are important and you matter to us at Longacre’s Modern Dairy.
With thankfulness and gratitude, The Longacre Family |
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