Gay Lea Dairy Museum & Co-operative Education Centre: Facilitating Family Fun! by Peri Hayes What has evolved into the Gay Lea Museum enjoyed today by many, was brought to life by Andy and Lotty van Kasteren. The pair were married in ‘54 in the Netherlands and moved to Ontario shortly thereafter, purchasing a dairy and livestock farm where they raised their children. In the ‘80s, the family bought the museum’s current property and later conducted renovations. Andy and Lotty connected with Gay Lea Foods through the DFO, who bought their collection of items in 2008 with intention to catalog – which sparked Museum Assistant and Archivist, Cathy Traicus’, involvement since 2009. Gay Lea is a co-operative, owning the property since 2010. Honouring the heritage of Andy, Lotty and their rural family, Cathy is grateful for the several years she had to pick Andy’s brain about their accessioned collection: “Everything has a story, and Andy knew them all. He passed away in 2014, while Lotty celebrates her 93rd birthday this month.” Manager of Gay Lea Museum, Craig Steven, shares, “To produce and sell milk to your local dairy years ago, you had to be within five miles. We have a collection of these milk bottles from various communities, as well as books — from approximately 1901-1965 — which outline the dairies and creameries in Ontario. I find it impressive that we’re back to on-farm production of milk which people can get in glass bottles again.” As Cathy emphasizes, “There are hands-on activities here for children and families to enjoy together.” Guided tours featuring captivating stories are an option for visitors, who can Central Elgin Resident Swim Pass
alternatively explore the property at their leisure. The Museum displays fascinating artifacts, offering demonstrations, their popular cow scavenger hunt and more – all while learning about the process of dairy production. A delivery truck and wagons are on-site, along with a horse and buggy which has been dedicated to Kathleen (Kay) Roberts – a woman who travelled from New Market to Aylmer during WWII, during which she delivered milk with her esteemed horse, Queenie. The museum has a section dedicated to the Ontario Dairy Princess Program – for which each county would select a dairy princess, bestowing the responsibility of educating the youth and general public about dairy farming and products. Next, at the CNE, these individuals competed for Ontario Dairy Princess. As Chris details, “The top finalists would be
Central Elgin Resident Seasonal Parking Pass
New for summer 2026: The Municipality of Central Elgin has introduced a resident seasonal parking pass to make parking in Port Stanley more affordable. Available to Central Elgin residents, the $65 pass is limited to one per vehicle owned by a resident of Central Elgin. Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first- served basis and may be used in any paid municipal parking lot in Port Stanley, with the exception of the Boat Launch Parking Lot. Non-resident passes are also available, along with daily and free parking options throughout Port Stanley.
The Municipality of Central Elgin has partnered with YMCA of Southwestern Ontario to offer Central Elgin residents access to indoor swimming at the Family YMCA St. Thomas- Elgin branch at a reduced resident rate. No YMCA membership required - just show proof of Central Elgin residency to get discounted swim passes: Age 15 & under: $4 per swim Age 16+: $5 per swim 10-swim pass: $35 (doesn’t expire!) Passes can be purchased at the Family YMCA St. Thomas- Elgin (20 High Street, St. Thomas). Learn more: centralelgin.org
Visit centralelgin.org to purchase a pass.
$65.00 + HST
450 Sunset Dr.
info@centralelgin.org
519-631-4860
Page 8 Real Living • Spring 2026
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