The Bacon Creamery started production in 1927. The first milk sold was from the Bacon farm. Later milk from other area farmers was also processed and sold. W.C. “Bill” Patton joined the company in 1937, and a new building was erected in 1949. In 1965 the plant was sold to Mayfield Dairies.

Walter Ritchey and his sons Don, Ben, and Andy worked as wheat thrashers and corn hullers in Loudon, Blount, and Monroe Counties. The Ritchey’s worked these crops during the 1930 until the Korean War began. All the Ritchey sons continued to farm the rest of their lives.

Walter Ritchey and his sons Don, Ben, and Andy worked as wheat thrashers and corn hullers in Loudon, Blount, and Monroe Counties. The Ritchey’s worked these crops during the 1930 until the Korean War began. All the Ritchey sons continued to farm the rest of their lives.