Don’t forget Will

Posted

Like most people, I am deeply disappointed that Mt. Townsend Creamery is ending production. I have toured the facility on several occasions and am amazed how Ryan and Matt have made so much good cheese in such a small, inadequate space. The article in last week’s Leader described well all the challenges of a small cheese business, especially on the Olympic Peninsula where dairy options are limited and struggling just as they are across the country. 

The Leader did however leave out one important piece of history. The visionary founder of the Creamery was actually Will O’Donnell. Many of us who have been long-term supporters of the business were first inspired to participate because of his vision and leadership. I think it is safe to say that without Will, there never would have been a Mt. Townsend Creamery. Will was also an original founder of Finnriver Farm and after leaving the creamery went on to consult with other creameries and ran the Port Townsend Farmers Market for a while.

I hope that there is a future for our famous brand of cheese, either elsewhere or in some modified way here in Port Townsend. As for now, I support the difficult decision made by Matt and Ryan and wish them and their dedicated employees all the best as they transition to other endeavors.

Kees Kolff
Port Townsend