Hermon C. Raven papers, 1909-1962, undated.

The collection includes clippings, photographs, certificate of appreciation, and ribbons, dealing with butter making, and the life of Hermon C. Raven (April 24, 1881-April 5, 1937).

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing, Michigan."

Finding aid available in 101 Conrad Hall.

Hermon Case Raven was born April 24, 1881 to William Franklin Raven and Elona Case Raven. His father worked for Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) as an extension representative for many years and was a known progressive farmer. He also owned the first Babcock tester (four bottle) in southern Michigan and had a creamery on his farm. It was here that Hermon first learned about creamery work. In 1900, Hermon attended Michigan Agricultural College. In 1901 he worked a year in a creamery at Jerome, Michigan and then at the Ohio Dairy Company in Toledo, Ohio, for about six months. In the spring of 1903, he went to Cook Valley, Wisconsin where he ran a skimming station. In January 1904, he attended a creamery short course at the University of Wisconsin. He then operated the Co-operative Creamery at Vale. Wisconsin during 1907 - 1909. Early in 1910 he moved to Clinton Junction, Wisconsin where he worked for Ed Seaman for a year. In April 1911, he moved to Portland, Oregon and in May 1911 he started working for the Hazelwood Creamery and continued until 1920. In March 1920, he and his wife opened the Raven Dairy in a small stall in the Fire House Market. Here they expanded several times, and in November 1923, they moved to the Russell Building, 715 S. W. 4th Avenue. He passed away April 5, 1937.