Cheese War: Conflict and Courage in Tillamook County, Oregon

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In the 1960s, Tillamook County faced internal conflict as the dairy industry transitioned from small factories to larger ones. Farmers grappled with how to collaborate with distributors while advocating for their businesses without risking market prices. Beale Dixon, head of the County Creamery Association, proposed low-interest loans to supermarkets stocking CCA products, believing it would foster goodwill in a tight market. Conversely, George Milne, a respected farmer and board member of the Tillamook Cheese and Dairy Association, viewed Dixon's plan as fraudulent, arguing it cheated farmers out of rightful earnings. This disagreement escalated into a community-wide conflict, complicated by intricate family and business ties that blurred lines of interest. Dixon's dual role in both organizations led to his dismissal from one but retention in the other. The Cheese War unfolded over nearly a decade, involving board meetings, court cases, and community divisions. Co-op members exchanged recall petitions, and rival factions circulated misleading information. Though largely overlooked outside Tillamook County, the Cheese War left lasting rifts, with some families still affected today. Sisters Marilyn Milne and Linda Kirk, children of the conflict, sought to uncover the true story behind their parents' experiences, drawing from extensive research and interviews with key figures and their families. This narrative highlights the hum