Porch Boxes

Posted on | March 16, 2009 |

When milk was delivered to homes, it was common for customers to have a “porch box” for the fresh milk to be left in. Porch boxes were used to keep milk cool in the summer and above freezing in the winter; in summer they would usually contain ice for refrigeration.

Around 1947, the first of Randall Farms porch boxes were given to “good” customers. These were galvanized metal boxes with insulation and “Property of Randall Farms” in raised letters, and held 6 quarts of milk.

Metal porch box

Wooden porch box

Wooden porch box interior

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About

Randall Linebacks are a rare breed of cattle which originated in Vermont and are steadily gaining popularity. Here you will find photos and stories about my own Randall Linebacks, as well as my experiences on New England dairy farms.

My childhood home, Randall Farms of Mt. Sinai, NY is also a subject near and dear to me. I have been collecting photos and memories and will share some of them here.

(The name is a coincidence; historic Randall Farms and the Randall Lineback breed bear no known connection.)

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