History
Philadelphia’s
Favorite Milkman
Constructed in the late 19th century, when
Kensington was known for industry and
working-class character, Harbisons Dairy
was considered a powerhouse.
In 1865, Irish Immigrant, Robert Harbison, moved his
family from Gwynedd, Pennsylvania to Kensington in
Philadelphia, where he began to serve milk to homes in
his neighborhood. Robert Harbison slowly grew his milk
delivery business, ladling fresh milk to those who did not
have access to home refrigeration.
As family lore has it, Robert’s dairy days started at age nine,
when he delivered fresh milk with his father after school.
1890-1915
Thomas Harbison joined his brother Robert as a
partner. The brothers established their first dairy in
three small houses, serving customers with nine
routes. During the 1890s, business expansion led
to the construction of the first building of the dairy
complex. Harbisons would deliver fresh milk twice
daily by horse-drawn carriage across the city. In
1915, the milk bottle water tower was constructed
to serve as a supply for the sprinkler system,
holding 30,000 gallons of water.
It’s presence became a Kensington icon
and company symbol.
-------- It’s presence became a Kensington icon and company symbol.
1940-1990
In the 1940s, the Harbison family dipped into ice
cream making, supplying notable manufacturers like
Baskin-Robbins with quality products. Over the next
century, horse-drawn carriages were replaced by
delivery trucks, allowing for more efficient delivery
and establishing Harbisons as the “most modern
dairy plant in America”.
In 1968, the Harbisons sold the dairy plant to
Southland Dairy, leading to its eventual demise
in 1990.
Artist rendering of early milk delivery service, completed 1965.
Courtesy John Harbison, a descendant.
Today, the milk bottle water tower is
all that remains of the dairy empire.
ITS REVITALIZATION MARKS A NEW ERA.
