Is it possible to taste history? At Rockview Family Farms, you absolutely can. Rockview Family Farms began its story in 1927. It started as a small dairy in Downey City. Downey City was a little town within California’s sprawling farmlands.
Bob Hops, an Irish immigrant, founded Rockview Family Farms. Five years later, the McCandless brothers bought the company. They expanded it to include six drive-in dairy stores. Also, they had 70 home delivery routes and a wholesale division with eight routes.
Imagine the clinking of glass milk bottles. Think about the friendly milkman delivering fresh dairy to your doorstep. For many years Rockview Family Farms delivered milk directly to homes. This tradition echoes even today.
In 1938, Rockview Farms earned a gold medal. It was awarded at the Los Angeles County Fair for its raw milk exhibit. From 1930 to 1959, Rockview Farms’ cattle won 175 gold medals at state and county fairs.
In 1959, Rockview boasted 250 employees. It operated four drive-in dairy stores in Downey. These stores offered a complete line of dairy products. Rockview’s low prices saved housewives many dollars per year. Mr. J. McCandless provided guided tours of Rockview’s facilities. Each year, over 15000 school children and Scout groups enjoyed these trips.
A fire struck in 1957 destroying a barn. It burned tons of hay. Damages were estimated at $50000.
Peter DeGroot, who supplied milk to Rockview Farms, bought the dairy in 1965. The McCandless Brothers declared bankruptcy, leading to DeGroot’s acquisition. DeGroot expanded the operation.
Today, Rockview Family Farms continues to operate. It has a processing plant in Downey and a cold storage facility in South Gate. Rockview hires new employees annually from local Enterprise Zone areas. This earns the business tax credits. The company uses advanced technology to improve quality control. Rockview Farms processes a large amount of milk weekly.
Rockview Farms offers a full line of dairy products. This includes whole milk, organic milk, and more. They also have butter, buttermilk, cottage cheese, cream, and yogurt. In 2014, Rockview Farms rebranded its organic milk label.
Rockview Farms maintains its own dairy cows. They are located in Chino, Northern California, and Nevada. The milk is delivered to customers within 48 hours after milking.
Rockview Family Farms supports the community. They handed out chocolate milk to students on National Milk Day in 2014. They also support sustainable farming practices.
So, as you enjoy Rockview Family Farms products, remember its rich history. It is a story of hard work, family values, and a commitment to quality. From a small dairy to a thriving business, Rockview Family Farms remains a part of Southern California’s heritage.