Throughout much of its history, Otter Tail County towns have been tied to the well-being of the farm economy, depending upon farmers for much of their business. In January 1937, the editor of the New York Mills Herald emphasized the interdependence of the town and farm in this way:

“The farmer’s obligation to the community near to where he lives is economically as great as those residing in that community. The farmer residing near New York Mills shares in all of the things which makes New York Mills a desirable place to live.”

Farming towns were beehives of activity in those days, especially on Saturday nights, when stores stayed open to give farmers a night of shopping. A night in town may have included a movie, ice cream or perhaps a bottle or two of pop. Best of all, the money remained local, even the pop was produced and sold right here by the New York Mills Bottling Company.

The Bottling Company produced a variety of pops with interesting names, including Sprig, Donald Duck, Paul’s, Dream, Howell’s and Tom Moore. The old metal chest coolers could be found on the front step or near the door of many a business in New York Mills, stocked to the brim with the local favorites.

Founded in the early 1920s by F.W. Muckala, the Bottling Works was a family affair, being handed down to Muckala’s nephew, Rudy Kangas who expanded the building to its present size. After his death, Rudy’s wife Thelma ran the bottling works until it was purchased by Howard Oman (pronounced “omen”). Howard operated it as Oman Beverage until its closing in 1956. At that time, the building was purchased by the City of New York Mills and was managed as a City Office until 1971, when it became a private residence.

Prior to its location at 219 South Main Avenue, Muckala had operated at two sites on the north side of the railroad tracks. The Bottling Works building is still standing today at its last home on the south side of town, hidden behind a modern façade. One can still find remnants of days gone by in various homes, antique shops and businesses in the community, with Mills Bottling Works wooden crates and empty pop bottles on display…. A fond memory of days gone by.