amUSIngArtifacts

*Post written by Mona Meyer, Archives and Special Collections Metadata Librarian.

E. Crosby Monroe was a successful businessman, born in Sherman, NY in 1880. In 1918 he had a religious experience that led him to take a more active roll in the ministry, becoming ordained in the Apostolic Church of England in 1923. He maintained his business interests, struggling like many through the years of the Great Depression. By 1942 his finances were improved to the point that he was able to retire, purchasing a farm near his hometown of Sherman, NY. A small number of people joined him initially, but that number soon grew to over 300, the original members of the Shiloh Family.

One of those who joined him early on had an interest in baking. Others tasted the products he made for his family and wanted more. “From this simple beginning, one man, one room, and seven loaves at a time, a full line of baked goods with door to door delivery developed.” (from a single page document within the collection entitled The History of Shiloh)

As the business grew and demand increased, it became obvious that a more central location would be advantageous. In 1968 property was purchased in Sulphur Springs, AR, and within a year the move was essentially complete.

By the 1970s, Shiloh Farms had introduced organic sprouted multi-grain breads, and by the 1980s it was pioneering in national and international organic certification. It introduced more than 200 certified organic products, including oat bran and wheat bran. Here are just a few labels from the many products it makes.

As a community, Shiloh ceased to exist in 2001, but sold its business interests to a former member, and now the company of Shiloh Farms is located in New Holland, PA.

NOTE: poster sized images of the last two photographs seen above hang outside UASC, on the 3rd floor of Rice Library.