View source for Kelley’s Dairy

Kelley's Dairy was founded in the 1920's by George Kelley. The business featured door-to-door milk delivery and homemade ice cream, which sold in stores until around 1977. The Kelley family opened a restaurant, located on West Church Street, in 1947. <ref>Licking County Historical Society, "Scenes of Yesteryear," ''The Advocate'', October 21, 2002. </ref>

The business was family owned and family run. Mr. George I. Kelley, the founder, kept track of the books and helped make ice cream. George's wife, Edna, prepared potato salad, vegetables, and helped with other cooking details. George's son, George P. Kelley, Jr., was the business president, and his sister, Marjorie Hill, grew up working there.<ref>David Jacobs, "Landmark Newark Restaurant-Dairy Bar is Closing for Good Christmas Eve," ''Columbus Dispatch'', December 3, 1990.</ref>  

Kelley's Dairy was a place of friendly social gathering. Families would come together for a meal or a bite of ice cream and socialize with one another. The Kelleys took pride in the fact that, even if a patron was alone, others, usually regulars, would include them in conversation. The restaurant had built its own community.  <ref>Jacobs, "Landmark Newark Restaurant-Dairy Bar is Closing for Good Christmas Eve."</ref>

Unfortunately, Kelley's Dairy closed December 24, 1990 due to high costs of operation and losing business due to large fast-food chains.<ref>Jacobs, "Landmark Newark Restaurant-Dairy Bar is Closing for Good Christmas Eve."</ref>  The dairy delivery service had ended in 1985, five years prior to the last days of operation. <ref>Licking County Historical Society, "Scenes of Yesteryear."</ref>



'''M.J.'''


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