
Our Story
Our little factory on the Sugar River has witnessed more than a century of change in Wisconsin's dairy industry.
1888
Dairy Farmers Unite
In 1888, a group of dairy farmers in Paoli, Wisconsin, banded together to build their community a cheese factory. They formed a cooperative called the Paoli Cheese Factory Association and constructed a modern factory on the banks of the Sugar River.


1932
The Swiss Cheesemaker
The little factory along the Sugar River adapted to changing times by making different cheeses and butters. In 1932, they hired famed Swiss cheesemaker, Otto Thalmann. Otto oversaw company operations for nearly a quarter century and made the factory known statewide. In those days, the factory was known by various names: The Paoli Cooperative Dairy Company, The Paoli Creamery, and The Paoli Co-op Creamery.




1945
“Chicago Milk”
After World War II, the factory expanded once again to process Grade A Fluid Milk—also called “Chicago Milk.” This created the opportunity for local dairy farmers to sell their milk to thirsty Chicago customers. At this time, the Paoli Creamery was one of the largest dairy factories in the state.



1955
Pabst Acquires Creamery
In 1955, the Pabst Company acquired the company and its building. (Yes, that Pabst company.) Pabst expanded the company by helping local dairy farmers transition from canned milk to bulk milk deliveries. In its heyday of operations under the Pabst Company, the factory bought milk from nearly 300 dairy farmers.



1980
The Farm Crisis
The consolidation of the dairy industry and the farm crisis was the death knell for the factory. The factory couldn't keep up with Wisconsin's rapidly-changing and rapidly-industrializing dairy industry. After nearly 100 years in continuous operation, Pabst closed the doors of its Paoli facility in 1980.


Today
Restoring a Working Dairy
In 2021, a group of local entrepreneurs re-formed the Paoli Cheese Factory Association to preserve this amazing piece of Wisconsin heritage. They purchased the building and received approval for a listing on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Seven Acre Dairy Company was born.
The vision for Seven Acre Dairy Company includes continuing the building's legacy and heritage of dairy production by bringing back a working dairy to make artisanal ice cream, butter, and cheese created from local milk. Seven Acre Dairy Company will also feature a restaurant, dairy cafe, and boutique hotel inspired by the region's dairy heritage and natural landscape.
We look forward to welcoming you in fall 2022!