 |
| Mat Maid News & Press Matanuska Maid Kicks Off The 70th Anniversary Of Alaska Agriculture And The Colonist’s Settling In For Their First Winter In Alaska Palmer- November 16, 2005 – One of the darkest periods in U.S. History, the Great Depression, also was an event that sparked the beginning of an important era in Alaska history. The year was 1935; the event, the settling of 202 families to the Matanuska Valley. They came from farms from throughout the Midwest attracted by a US government offer of an “all expenses paid” trip to Alaska, and bring their families to start a farming community in the Mat Valley. The daunting challenge they faced was to build a self-sustaining community. What grew from their pioneering efforts included not only what is now the vibrant communities of Palmer and Wasilla, but also an agriculture industry that has helped fuel continued economic growth in Alaska for 70 years. Today, Alaska Agriculture is a 50 million dollar industry. An important part of that industry is Matanuska Maid Dairy. Joe Van Treeck, President of Matanuska Maid Dairy, notes that the dairy traces its own history to this remarkable group of pioneers. ” The creamery opened as the Matanuska Valley Farmers Cooperating Association in 1936, and went on to market produce, butter, ice cream, cottage cheese and eggs. Since that time, however, we have grown into a “16 million dollar organization producing a wide array of dairy and beverage products that compete very successfully with major dairy companies throughout the Alaska marketplace.” The Matanuska Maid brand name also has its origins in the early years of the colony. It was coined in 1936 by Dorothy (Sheely) Bush, a Palmer High School student. Her name beat out several other suggestions such as “Cool Valley”, “Happy Valley” and “Happy Home”. A spry senior now living in Anchorage, Dorothy recalls that she ordered the best bicycle she could find in the Sears Catalog, with the $25.00 that she won for the naming contest! The Skater Girl Symbol we’ve all come to associate with Matanuska Maid, was created in 1949. Many believe that she came to be from the popularity at that time of the Olympic skater Sonja Henje, however, Jim Wilson, then General Manager of the Cooperative sketched what would become her enduring likeness. Since then her likeness has appeared on millions of Mat Maid products statewide. Her likeness along with the original Matanuska Maid logo has returned this year on genuine ‘retro’ reproductions of the original 1940’s vintage cartons of Matanuska Maid Egg Nog. The cartons also educate those new to Alaska about the Mat Maid heritage, and the fund raising effort for the Colony House. “We hope that Alaskans of all generations will take a moment pause as they see the Skater Girl, to remember their childhood growing up in Alaska.” Van Treeck commented. “Matanuska Maid is proud of our heritage,” Van Treeck continued, “and we are committed to help preserve this 70 year story of success. That’s why we’re donating a portion of all Egg Nog sales this year to support the efforts of the Palmer Historical Society. This organization has dedicated its efforts to several preservation programs projects such as the Colony House in Palmer. This refurbished home features the furnishings, decorations, and layout of the rooms reflecting different decors, seasons, and events of the Valley’s early history.” “In addition to the Colony House”, Van Treeck concluded, “ the Society is also developing a number of educational programs to increase the public’s awareness of the important role the Colonists of 1935 played in supporting the tremendous economic and cultural growth of Southcentral Alaska. We ask all of you to join us in this effort.” During the upcoming 2006 year, Mat Maid will be involving their consumers in special promotions and other activities culminating with the State Fair to celebrate this heritage. Matanuska Maid is Alaska’s largest dairy and one of the world’s most northern dairy and beverage process facilities. The company manufactures and distributes a complete line of dairy and beverage products including milk, water and juice beverages, cottage cheese, sour cream, and yogurt,. These products are sold to grocery chains, convenience stores and institutions such as the military, school districts, and airlines. The company also manufactures several sizes and styles of plastic packaging used by several Alaska companies. For more information about Matanuska Maid, visit their website www.matmaid.com Editor note: A CD is available with heritage logos and images that may be used for publication, please request through Sharon Dart, 907 561-2009. Back to top < News Main |