milkmen

A milkman is a person, historically a man, who delivers milk and other dairy products to homes on a regular schedule. This service was a common feature of urban and suburban life in many Western countries during the 20th century. Milkmen typically operated from local dairies, collecting chilled bottles of milk and returning empty ones for refilling. Their rounds were often made in specialized vehicles, initially horse-drawn carts and later electric or gasoline-powered vans.

The milkman's role extended beyond simple delivery. They often served as a trusted figure in their communities, making note of their customers' routines and potentially noticing anything unusual. The milk bottle itself became an iconic symbol of the service, with embossed logos and distinct shapes. In addition to milk, milkmen might also deliver cream, butter, eggs, and sometimes even local produce.

The decline of the milkman service is largely attributed to several factors. The rise of supermarkets offering convenient one-stop shopping, changes in food preservation technology allowing milk to last longer, and shifting consumer lifestyles contributed to the decrease in demand. While the traditional milkman service has largely disappeared in many regions, there has been a resurgence in some areas, often catering to niche markets seeking fresh, local, or organic products, and appreciating the convenience and personal touch.