Rebuilding Borden

Originally published: Sunday, October 8, 1989

By BEATRICE ROSENBLUM

It is not only residents of the town of Shawangunk who are concerned with the preservation of the century-old Borden Farm.

Many historians and collectors, aware of the unique history of the site, also are concerned that it be properly protected and preserved.

The property, long known as “Borden Park,’’ was established in 1881 as the “Home Farm’’ of the Borden Milk Co. It was here that Gail Borden’s son, John, established the farm and factory for the manufacture of condensed milk (for which Borden senior had obtained a patent), a product that revolutionized the entire industry.

The property is of interest not only to historians of the dairy industry, but also to social historians.

The property was unique in conception for it was more than merely an industrial site; it was a large and beautiful park, its beauty enhanced with fountains, gardens, vineyards and roadways, surrounding the 70 buildings that included two large and remarkable barns.

John Borden was revered then and in the memories of families who have remained in the area is still revered because of his many contributions to the well-being of the community.

Turn-of-the-century historians recorded that “Borden was a man of unusual benevolence who felt deep concern for the welfare of his workers, for whom he built houses and then provided with pensions when they were no longer able to work – showing a concern for employees for those times.

The establishment conceived by John Borden was a combination of a scientific community and a Camelot. He intended it to be entirely self-sufficient for the people who lived and worked on the property and a happy place, free from cares, for those who came to visit.

It was well-equipped with all the necessities and indeed many luxuries for it had its own water, telephone and electric systems – services not yet widely available – which he generously shared with several of the neighboring communities that still lacked them.

Newspapers and journals of the day paid many tributes to all the members of the Borden family because of their many generous contributions to the area, and Anthony Knipp, a local historian of the dairy industry in America, observes that the many schools, libraries and scouting organizations that still exist bear witness to the concern and generosity of the family.

A large fraternity of collectors, whose specialty is dairy-related memorabilia, also is interested in the farm.

The Borden Co., in the eyes of many collectors, is unique in the annals of the industry and every memento, no matter how ephemeral, is deemed “collectible.’’

Historians always valued early records of the Borden family and the farm, but in recent years the growth of the bottle-collecting hobby has further enhanced that interest.

Those who are not savers of old milk bottles – and related items – would be astonished to learn of the large and enthusiastic body of collectors.

The hobby was sparked about 30 years ago when plastic and paper cartons began replacing glass vessels. People began saving the bottles they still found around the house and then began to search for them at garage and yard sales and later flea markets.

The early collectors were prompted by nostalgia they focused upon the bottles that bore familiar names of milk companies from their own area, but later, as the hobby advanced, collectors began to notice the variety of design found on the bottles, and the hobby became more serious.

There are still many bottle buffs who are collecting bottles for sentimental reasons.

They often reminisce about the little towers of ice that forced the paper cups high above the bottle top when the milk froze, and they recall fondly the name of their milk company, which long, long ago, was so faithful despite the foulest weather.

Knipp is credited with the growth and development of the hobby of collecting dairy bottles, not only in Orange County, where he lives, but also throughout the country.

A popular lecturer and author, he is the associate editor of the national publication “The Milk Route,’’ which serves as a clearing house for historians of the dairy industry as well as collectors wishing to have bottles identified.

In addition to “The Milk Route,’’ bottle buffs are helped by The Milk Bottle Collector’s Association. This organization, founded two decades ago, supports the National Bottle Museum in upstate Ballston Spa, which affords interested people an opportunity to research their possessions in their fine reference library.

“People all over the country are interested in the efforts of the residents of Wallkill and surrounding communities who are involved in the preservation of the Borden property,’’ said Knipp.

The booklet “Borden Today’’ is the result of considerable research on Knipp’s part, and he says, “It was a very gratifying project.’’

“Originally, I became interested in the Borden story because of the proximity of the farm to my home in Orange County, but as I did the research, I realized their story was unique and well worth reading. The Bordens were one of America’s most notable families and their contributions – economic and social – were really impressive. I found many references in the old histories to their philanthropy and the many institutions that still thrive in the area, as well as the property known as the `Home Farm’ – it bears witness to their vision and community concern.’’

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