A tale ripe for telling

Marilyn Milne, co-author of “Cheese War,” will share the fascinating story behind the book at Nehalem’s North County Recreation District this Saturday, April 26.

The Tillamook County Creamery Association, a co-op founded on the strength of dairy farmers, and great-tasting cheese and ice cream that has grown into a successful, billion-dollar company. But as with all strong companies, it weathered equally strong storms along the way.

Milne along with co-author and sister, Linda Kirk, share the story of the challenges the association faced in the 1960s when the regional dairy industry shifted from small local factories to larger consolidated ones.

Fueled by a complex web of family and business relationships, the cheese war was fought for nearly 10 years. Milne and Kirk witnessed how their parents and other farm families were affected and how some relationships were never repaired.

This story was largely unknown outside Tillamook County, inspiring the sisters to uncover the wild and true story with compassion and fairness. Milne will talk about the Aldervale and Mohler factories, as well as a few north county farmers.

Saturday’s talk, followed by a book signing, begins at 3:30 pm at the North County Recreation District is located at 36155 9th Street. Tickets are $10 at the door.