Monday at the Milk Farm

There once lived a happy little restaurant called the Milk Farm.

The Milk Farm provided a much needed place for weary travelers to enjoy a chicken dinner and pony ride. And, for just 10 cents, a thirsty guest could enter an all-you-can-drink milk drinking contest. What a dream...

The Milk Farm had a wonderful life just off the side of the highway. In fact, it was as wonderful as any life lived next to a highway can be. She loved each man, woman, and child who paid her a visit. You see, somewhere deep down the Milk Farm knew that these people loved her back.

At the time it was erected, the sign, standing 100 feet tall, was said to be America's highest highway sign.

Of the animated cow, The Dixon Tribune wrote:

"This gentle creature appears, disappears and appears again in a slow cadence."

The first couple of years were quiet, but by the time WWII rolled around, business was booming. Visitors came from near and far -- as far away as New York, and possibly even farther. One lovely day in 1940, the Milk Farm was featured in the Saturday Evening Post.

(Anyone have that issue? Quick, go check the attic please.)

This charming little place operated continuously from 1928 until 1986, when a violent windstorm blew a large hole in the roof.

How's that for a surprise ending?

Sure the cow no longer jumps over the moon, but I'll take what I can get. Lucky for us, the sign still stands...

P.s. One more photo here.