For Sale: Vermont Craft Cheesemaker on the National Register of Historic Places
Crowley Cheese, which claims to be America’s oldest continuously operating cheesemaker, is seeking new ownership. Its owners of 16 years – caretakers, really – say if you’re interested, contact them directly.
Crowley traces its cheesemaking roots in Healdville, Vt., to the late 1700s, with commercial production beginning in 1824. Since then, it has operated just a few hundred feet from its original site — first in the Crowley family’s farmhouse kitchen, and since 1882, in its now-iconic cheese factory.
Today, the Crowley Cheese Factory claims to be the oldest remaining cheese factory in the U.S. and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A beloved Vermont destination, the company claims, it draws visitors year-round to witness traditional cheesemaking firsthand, tour the preserved factory and sample its celebrated cheeses.
In a news release, the company said: “True to its origins, Crowley still produces its signature handcrafted raw milk cheddar using the same time-honored recipe that has earned acclaim around the world. For much of the 20th century, the local post office operated out of the Crowley Farm due to the sheer volume of cheese shipments leaving for global destinations. Today, Crowley continues to ship nationwide and can be found in select retailers across Vermont and the Northeast.”
While the recipe has remained unchanged, Crowley’s product line has expanded with six different aging levels and a dozen flavored varieties. In addition to its classic Holstein-based cheddar, Crowley now also produces cheese using A2 Jersey cow milk.
Since 2009, Galen and Jill Jones have owned and operated Crowley Cheese. Now preparing for retirement, they are seeking the next passionate steward to carry the legacy forward.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of this incredible tradition,” says Galen Jones. “Preserving the integrity of Crowley’s recipe and the authenticity of its historic factory has always guided our work. But it’s time for fresh leadership to shepherd Crowley into its third century. With so much potential for growth, we believe the best chapters are still ahead.”
Interested parties are encouraged to contact the owners directly (Galen Jones, 802-259-2340, [email protected]). Also see crowleycheese.com.
