Radloff's Cheese Factory Mural

In the not-so-distant past, if someone asked how to find Hustisford, the answer was simple: “Take State Highway 60 and turn right when you see the big black and white cow!” That towering Holstein statue, placed in 1968 by the Radloff Cheese Factory, became a beloved landmark and a symbol of local pride. For nearly four decades, it greeted travelers and residents alike, anchoring Hustisford’s identity in the rich tradition of Wisconsin dairy. Though the cow was relocated in 2006 to a relative’s cheese factory in Minerva, Ohio, its memory remains deeply etched in the hearts of the community.

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The Radloff Cheese Factory itself was a cornerstone of Hustisford’s economy and culture. Founded in 1894 by Max P.E. Radloff, the business spanned four generations and operated for an impressive 111 years. At its peak, the Radloff family managed up to 26 separate cheese factories in the area, producing fresh curds, homemade ice cream bars, and other dairy delights that became staples of local life. The factory wasn’t just a place of production—it was a place of gathering, where children visited the candy counter, families watched the cheese-making process, and neighbors shared stories over cones of ice cream.

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While painting the Radloff Cheese mural on the Hustisford Post Office, the PATH Arts and Gateways Committee was overwhelmed by the outpouring of community memories. People stopped by daily to reminisce, sharing tales of wedding parties and graduation photos taken with the cow, childhood visits to the factory, and the unmistakable taste of fresh cheese curds. These stories weren’t just nostalgic—they were affirmations of how deeply the Radloff legacy is woven into the fabric of Hustisford. The mural became more than a painting; it became a living conversation with the past.

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Styled like a postage stamp, the mural honors both the iconic cow and the enduring spirit of the Radloff family. It stands as a vibrant tribute to Hustisford’s dairy heritage and the generations who shaped it. Through this public art, we celebrate the Radloffs’ contribution to our town’s identity and preserve a cherished chapter of local history. We’re proud to have played a small role in recognizing a family whose legacy continues to inspire—and whose cow still points the way, even from afar.