The Borden’s Condensed Milk Co. located on 17th Avenue on Monroe’s far north side operated as a condensery from 1902 until 1927. Founder of the company, Gail Borden, was granted a patent for unsweetened condensed milk in 1854 and sweetened condensed milk in 1856, opening his first commercial plant in Connecticut in 1857. With the outbreak of the Civil War, demand increased for condensed milk. Pet Milk Co. later introduced the first evaporated milk products fortified with vitamin D in 1934. Currently, less than 2% of the U.S. milk production is evaporated or condensed. Questions or comments may be directed to Mary Ann Hanna at 608.325.4324 or nhcchistory@yahoo.com. - Photo supplied by the National Historical Cheesemaking Center