A view of the Indiana Condensed Milk Factory, looking northeast from the intersection of Park Avenue and 10th (236th) Street in Sheridan.
A History of the Indiana Condensed Milk Company
The Indiana Condensed Milk Company, also known as Wilson's Milk Company, was one of the notable industries that existed in the town of Sheridan during the early 20th century. W.N. Wilson, an operator of a butter-making business in town for many years, founded the condensed milk company in 1900. The factory was located at the northeast corner of present-day Park Avenue and E. 236th Street (State Road 47), south of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville (Monon) Railroad tracks. Unfortunately, the pasteurizing equipment exploded in the factory, leading to the death of Wilson, at a later time. He was succeeded as manager by his son William Taylor Wilson, who operated the factory until his death at the age of 37 years on November 29, 1920. Other managers operated the facility after Wilson's death. The Indiana Condensed Milk Company made condensed milk, using milk supplied from areas near Sheridan, and sold it to different areas of the United States and other nations during its years of operation. In 1955, Kraft Foods, Inc. purchased the factory and produced packaged cheese spreads there until ceasing operations in 1961.
Written and edited: 2022
Written and edited: 2022
Photographs of the Condensed Milk Factory
© Sheridan Historical Society, 2022.
