Agriculture has always been a large industry on the Eastside. The first cow did not arrive to Washington state until 1838. By the 1920s Washington had established worldwide distribution for its dairy products and by 1940 is was the largest branch of Washington agriculture.

The Duey family operated the Twin Valley Dairy on what is now known as Kelsey Creek Farm. Named Twin Valley because of its location between two small valleys north of downtown Bellevue, the dairy began operation in 1921. The Duey’s ran the dairy there until about 1942, when the farm was sold. Mrs. Duey would drive the milk truck making deliveries, with the Duey’s daughters on board to run the bottles up to the houses. Eventually dairy farming was phased out at Twin Valley, with subsequent owners focusing on raising cattle.

 

Heritage Corner is a feature in the Bellevue Reporter. To learn more about Bellevue and Eastside history contact the Eastside Heritage Center at 425-450-1049 or visit EastsideHeritageCenter.org.