Thank Dairy Women for Purple Cows, princesses
Published 9:00 pm Monday, April 11, 2005
It’s sad, really, to think that most members of the Snohomish County Dairy Women no longer live on dairy farms.
Though they no longer muck out barns, they continue to demonstrate their love of the industry.
Blame the economy, environmental concerns and aging members who retired off the farms. But, there is a good reason why folks should hope this group stays together. Ever sample a Purple Cow at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe?
You can buy the ice cream concoctions at the Dairy Women’s famous booth. Member Mary Lou Lane from Snohomish came up with the recipe that debuted in 1960. In the early years, the women borrowed a Kiwanis fireworks booth to sell their drinks.
Their booth, which is now a permanent fixture by the 4-H barns, is a well-known marker for fairgoers in Monroe.
Lane and her husband, Jack Lane, sold the family farm in 1990. She said decades ago, the Dairy Women used the booth to sell whatever farm products were available. Members volunteer their time to work the booth.
Ellen Dodge from Silvana, past president of the Dairy Women, was on the Evergreen State Fair board. She said one fair survey indicated the most-asked question at the information booth was “Where are the Purple Cows?”
“The fame of the Purple Cow keeps us going,” Dodge said, “And everyone meets there.”
Pat Manning from Arlington, who had a farm in Silvana, said she recently noticed the scent of silage – an aroma that seems equal parts fresh-turned earth and apple cider – outside an Arlington bank. It reminded her of her former life.
“I miss it,” said the mother of seven. “It was a wonderful way to raise kids.”
Manning, vice president of the Washington State Dairy Women, said there are 38 working dairies left in Snohomish County, down from a high of about 100. Decades ago, there were up to 30 group members who lived on working dairies.
She remembers listening in 1959 to Tex Meneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra at a Washington State Dairy Princess Ball at the Olympic Hotel in Seattle.
“We promote dairy products through our princess program which is the main objective of the Dairy Women in both the state and county,” Manning said. “We also offer scholarships to deserving young people who are interested in the industry.”
Members select a princess each year. The princess makes dozens of personal appearances. On Saturday, at the group’s 50th anniversary banquet, this year’s dairy princess will be announced at the Hawthorn Inn at Smokey Point.
Only one Snohomish County princess went on to become what is called the state ambassador, Susanne Hultgren, in 1966. As with all state ambassadors, she addressed the House of Representatives and Senate at the annual Dairy Day in Olympia.
Local princesses attend state sports finals with the Washington interscholastic Activities Association to give out awards and hand out promotional items about the goodness of dairy products.
The group sticks to its roots. According to minutes of the first meeting, March 17, 1955, a group of ladies gathered at the Monte Cristo Hotel in Everett for the purpose of considering forming a dairy wives group.
“Mrs. Twing moved we form a Snohomish County unit. It was seconded by Mrs. Larson, and carried. Mrs. Smith said a room was being prepared at the Darigold plant in Everett on Broadway, which would be available for a meeting place.”
They elected Ruth Smith president, Sarah Stocker vice president and Dorothy Madson as secretary treasurer. Arnold Smith spent a few minutes explaining facts and figures of milk consumption.
Their greatest promotion is still the Purple Cow, made from 7-Up, Wilson’s blackberry ice cream and a thick blackberry syrup.
The Snohomish County Dairy Women’s booth also offers the only hand-dipped ice cream milk shakes at the annual fair. For that sweet reason, and many more, may they stay together at least another 50 years.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
