Historic images recall Tavistock’s early dairy industry and famed racehorse

The original Tavistock Cheese and Butter plant on Hope Street West, now operated by Saputo, processed milk delivered in cans by local dairy farmers in the early 1900s. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Historic photographs displayed on the walls of Quehl’s Restaurant in Tavistock offer a glimpse into the community’s past, highlighting both its agricultural heritage and a notable piece of harness-racing history.

Though the two images are unrelated, each captures an important story from Tavistock’s early years and reflects the community’s deep roots in farming and rural life.

One photograph shows the original Tavistock Cheese and Butter plant on Hope Street West in the early 1900s. The facility, now operated by Saputo, processed milk delivered by local dairy farmers who transported their product in cans from surrounding farms. At the time, cheese and butter production was central to the local agricultural economy and played an important role in supporting farm families throughout the area.

The second image highlights a well-known harness-racing horse from the early 20th century. The pacer known as “Eel,” often referred to as the “Grey Ghost,” earned recognition as one of the fastest horses of his era.

Owned by Frank W. Enbricker of Tavistock after being acquired in 1903 from Deerfield, Mich., the grey stallion set a half-mile track record of 59 seconds in 1908 and paced to three world records. With total winnings of $12,450, Eel was the highest-earning pacer of his time.