Sego Milk Plant

The Sego Milk Co. building, also known as the abandoned factory or the old cheese factory, is an old abandoned factory on the west side of Richmond and can be seen for miles from its tall smoke stack. The building was in operation from 1904 to the 1970s and was operated by the Sego Milk Co. from 1921-1968.

History

Debated Start

In 1903, a dehydrated milk factory was proposed to be added to Cache Valley, located in Richmond. The Utah Condensed Milk Co. determined that Richmond was the best place to do so because of its history, being the first city to have a creamery, and its location as one of the highest milk producers in the valley.1

Richmond, including Cove and Lewiston, were excited to have the factory available for them to start selling their cattle's milk and having—for the first time for many—a reliable job. Anyone who could, purchased shares of the company to get the factory built, and a total of $60,000 - $70,000 was raised, but it was not enough. Because of this, people began to be discouraged and started backing out. A meeting was held to determine what course of action should take place.1

Marriner W. Merrill was in that meeting and listened very intently to what everyone said. After some time without saying a word, he arose and spoke,

"Mr. Chairman, I believe that we have had enough discussion. I move that we proceed to build the plant and that we break ground tomorrow morning. The way will be opened up and we shall have an industry that will be a great benefit to the people. Our people will rejoice in the undertaking and will be proud of the institution."1

James W. Funk who was part of the meeting recounted the feelings of the meeting after what Marriner said, 

"That was all he said but it was enough. The whole atmosphere was changed. No further questions were asked. It was only a matter of putting into effect the motion which had carried unanimously. Many of those who had 'backed out' renewed their subscriptions. Some increased the amount previously subscribed, and a few said, 'I'll double mine.' Some new subscribers came in."1

Early History

After the meeting, construction began, and production started on March 15, 1904. The land the factory was built on was donated by Simon Webb who also leased a water reservoir for 99 years at $10/year. The location was perfect, as it allowed the factory to stay far away from the city so as not to create noise or commotion, and was right on the rail line to haul supplies via train before vehicles became its main outlet.2

The whistle of the factory could be heard throughout the town with the 8 am, 12 pm, and 3:30 pm whistles. Most of the city began to run their lives with those whistles, including the school starting at 8 am along with the factory, going out for lunch at noon, and finishing school at 3:30 pm.2

Effect

Because of its success, the dairy enterprise in Richmond and the valley grew exponentially. From its growth, the city's population grew from 1,111 in 1900 to 1,562 in 1910, a 40% increase.3 Main St. became one of the most important places for workers to purchase lunches at the Hendricks Confectionary.

"The plant simulated dairy farmers to further increase their milk production, and it busied hay and alfalfa growers. ...The plant itself hired canners, shippers, accountants, supervisors, and of course, processors who ran the condensers. ... In 1934, the money paid to dairy farms in Cache Valey for milk was more than double the amount paid for the valley's entire substantial sugar beet crop. In 1935, the milk plant at Richmond, along with two condenseries in Wellsville and Hyrum, paid Cache dairymen about $1.3 million for their fresh milk."2

When the factory was built, most Richmond residents resided on the east side of the highway. After the factory was built, many homes were constructed on the west side of Main St. and 400 W.

Factory Renames and The End Of An Era

In 1921, Sego Milk Production Co. purchased the Utah Condensed Milk Co. and renamed the factory to the Sego Milk Co. Factory. From 1968 to 1974, the factory underwent several changes in ownership, with Sego selling out to Pet Milk in 1959, which in turn sold to Hi-Land Dairy in 1974. This company later consolidated with Western Dairyman Co-op Inc. (WDCI). Under Pet Milk, the factory made condensed milk for animals, primarily dogs. Under WDCI, the factory produced nearly 40,000 lbs of cheese daily.

On Sep 9, 1984, it was announced that the plant would be shutting down. At its peak, WDCI had 125 employees, but by Sep 1984, it had only 20.5 Reasons for the closing of the plant included problems with unions, the Richmond Irrigation Co., and conflicts with the Environmental Protection Agency.

The property's owner has changed multiple times, from businesses to individuals to the city. Unfortunately, the factory is in a condition that it would take millions of dollars to restore it to a functioning building. The factory is nothing more than the carcass of the giant enterprise that sustained a small town for generations.

Historic Building

In 2011, the Sego Milk Plant was nominated to be added to the National Register of Historic Places for its "[association] with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history."4 Areas of significance include agriculture, commerce, and industry. However, the nomination never went through.