Dean-Hey Heritage


Hey Brothers Dairy, 214 East Third Street, Sterling, Illinois.
The auto is a 1924-25 Model T Coupe; the truck is a mid-1920's Dodge (Jim Lyon).



Four Hey Brothers, Clement, Henry, Abram, and Ira, produced milk and ice cream. According to newspaper articles, the Hey Brothers, with divided milk parlors, refrigeration, and home delivery, were on the cutting edge of the dairy industry.

Grandpa Hey was good with people. Uncle Clement didn't like dealing with people: things bothered him. So Dad dealt with people, customers and employees. Dad was real. Down to earth. He saw things the way they were, and did what was necessary. He seemed to know what could change, and what couldn't change. He was okay living with what couldn't.

One humorous incident I remember. Dave Tarner worked in the office. Dave was a Baptist. After a week of revival meetings, for a whole week, Dave would sing revival songs and tell revival stories around the dairy office. Once after Dave stepped out of the office, Dad said, "If Dave could get any work done the week after revival—that would be a miracle." (recollection by Phil Hey).