‘Elsie the Cow’ coming to Van Wert

VW County Historical Society news

A special visitor is coming to the Van Wert Historical Society this Sunday, August 25, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

A brown-eyed Jersey cow by the name of Elsie will be visiting the Red Barn on the campus of the Historical Society, and will be the highlight of the society’s new special display featuring Van Wert’s Borden Cheese factory memorabilia.

The real “Elsie the Cow” first became the spokesperson for Borden’s dairy products in the early 1930s as a cartoon figure and was later featured in movies and TV commercials. Elsie’s first public display was at the 1939 New York World’s Fair, when she became a fixture in the Borden’s display.

Reminiscent of that display, the Historical Society display features restored furniture pieces from Elsie’s last visit to the Van Wert County Fair in 1951. Be sure to also check out items and photos from the Van Wert Borden Cheese Factory.

The new display and Elsie the Cow’s visit are co-sponsored by Van Wert County Dairy Services.  In honor of this display, that organization will provide free ice cream to visitors while supply lasts. Visitors to the Van Wert County Fair are also encouraged to visit the Van Wert County Historical Society’s display in the Agricultural Building to relive more memories of the Van Wert Borden Cheese Company plant.