The Village of Dairy, Monroe County, Ohio

Taken early 1960s

The community of Dairy in Monroe County, Ohio is located in Section 22 at the junction of County Road 10 and Township Road 504. It was so named because a large dairy was located in the area. The town consisted of the dairy, a general store, two blacksmith shops, a post office and a few homes.  The businesses are no longer in operation but the area still keeps the name of Dairy. 

Dairy Cash Store was built in 1884 by Chris Emmer. Chris Emmer was a son-in-law of property owner, Fred Hinderlong. In 1887 the store was sold to Nicholas Schar and a Post Office was added in June 1888 with Nicholas Schar as the postmaster.  The post office was closed in March 1903.   Nicholas Schar operated store until about 1906. The store was sold to Henry A. Zeh. In 1913 the store was again sold to Walter Wright. Walter later added rooms to the side and back of the store. Wright operated the store until 1955 when it was purchased by Eloise Lemon Riggenbach. Eloise mother, Maude Riggenbach, ran the store. The store closed in the early 1970's.

Daetwyler's blacksmith shop was located in the center of the town and Sam Grossenbacher's blacksmith shop was on the edge of town. The children of Dairy attended the Ridgeville School.  The Deatwyler family lived in the home that was later owned by Louise Romack.   In 1880 Ridgeville School was moved to Dairy and turned into a cheese factory across from the Daetwyler home. They apparently built a new school at Ridgeville since a Ridgeville school continued to function after that date.

Provided by Dorothy Bayes

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