Local News

Back to the present

This 1930s view of the Asselin Creamery, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Saginaw Street in Norway, was provided by the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway.

The well-known family business began in 1901 with Noah Asselin's North View Dairy, just north of the original city limits. Tragically, Noah died in a farming accident in 1908. His family continued the business, with U.F. Asselin, Noah's son, becoming president of the company. As the business grew they sold milk, cream, Dixie Cups, cottage cheese, butter, cake rolls, sherbet and Copper Country strawberries. In 1916, they obtained the franchise for Eskimo Pies. The milk bottle office building was constructed in 1921, with additions in 1923 and 1925. It was 42 feet tall, 14 feet wide at the base and 7 feet wide at the top. General offices were on the first floor, with private office above.

The Asselin Milk Bottle was featured in "Ripley's Believe it or Not" in 1930.

The bottle was taken down in March 1982, but the base building still stands on the corner.

The second photo shows the location, now Saginaw Street Automotive, owned by Andy Adams.

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The Daily News is bringing back its photos of "yesteryear," with a twist. Each week an historical photograph from area museums will be posted on The Daily News Facebook page. Readers will be asked to identify the location, as well as share a memorable experience of the location. "Back to the present" will then be published in the Wednesday edition, including a current photo. Readers can comment on The Daily News Facebook page, or email tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com with subject "Back to the present."