In 1878, C.B. Dempster started Dempster Miller Manufacturing, a retail pump and windmill store in downtown Beatrice. Dempster began manufacturing its own windmills and pumps in 1885. Later, they began the manufacture of Dempster gasoline engines. Their windmills are still being manufactured today.A exhibit on Dempster can be seen at the Gage County Museum. You can learn more about Dempster from the company archives at Homestead National Historical Park.
Beatrice Foods, founded in Beatrice in 1894, began when partners Haskell and Bosworth began producing creamery butter provided by local farmers. They incorporated in 1905 as the Beatrice Creamery Company. On November 12, 1901 they adopted the "Meadow Gold" trademark.A exhibit on Beatrice Foods can be seen at the Gage County Museum.
Kees Manufacturing Company, the oldest metal manufacturing company in Nebraska was founded in 1874. F.D. Kees started as a gunsmith and later operated a hardware store. In 1892 he began manufacturing corn husking hooks, roller and ice skates, lawn tools and trellises.An exhibit on Kees can be seen at the Gage County Museum.
