Purity, Economy, and Social Welfare in the Progressive Era Pure Milk Movement

The early twentieth century, or “The Progressive Era” was characterized by intense concern with food safety. Like today, this did not mean that food safety advocates formed a united front. This study examines conflicts within the Progressive Era pure milk movement between goals of purity, economy, and social welfare. In particular, two situations are examined: the conflict between advocates of pasteurization and certification; and conflicts within the Chicago Milk Commission, which provided pasteurized milk to children and, later, inspected certified milk producers. Pasteurization became much more popular than certification due to its economic superiority. The Chicago Milk Commission was torn apart by factions emphasizing competing goals. It is concluded that while groups representing the goals of purity, economy, and social welfare did not often agree, milk policy since this time has reflected all three of these goals. The conflicts between these groups parallel general issues within Progressive era society.