Based on a 2019 interview with Robert Boucher by brother, John
Even though there were several business names involved, there was just one family delivering milk. A big thank you to Brian Lee for the photos of the bottles! And thanks to Bunny who saved a cap.
1917–Joseph Boucher quit the brickyard business on Plantation St.
Early 1920s–Joseph Boucher and Sons Dairy established on Division St., Worcester. The Boucher’s had the last horse-drawn milk wagon in Worcester. The CLEAR bottles above are from Joseph’s business.
Death of Joseph in 1934. Sons: Louis and Salime took over, until Salime died in a boating accident in 1938.
1942–Fire destroyed dairy at 13 Division St., Worcester. The family lived next door.
1942–Joseph Boucher and Sons Dairy sold to Hillcrest Dairy
1946-Louis J. Boucher and Sons (Louis A. and Normand G.) started Grafton Hill Dairy (probably bought milk from Hillcrest Dairy)
1950-1955—The Bouchers of Grafton Hill Dairy Started raising their own chickens in Auburn and sold eggs with milk (logo on trucks “Golden Yolk Farms,” but the business was still Grafton Hill Dairy)
Company gradually dropped egg production in the early to mid 50s, and rebranded as “Boucher’s Milk, Baby’s Friend.” Logo developed by Shirley Boucher, Louis’s daughter. Both names were in use on bottles during the transition.
1961—Louis J. Boucher retired and moved to Riverside CA. Sons continued
the family business as Grafton Hill Dairy.
1963–Grafton Hill Dairy bought Blue Ribbon Dairy and used the name “Blue Ribbon Dairy” (also bought or started “Dairy Queen,” Webster Square)
1971–“Blue Ribbon Dairy” sold to Greenwood Dairy
Additional Resources:
New England Dairyman, American Dairy Products Review
