Iowa History Daily: April 23 - Debut of A-E Party Dip

Iowa History Daily: On April 23, 1964, Anderson Erickson offered samples of a new party dip at the Carlisle Super-Valu store. An Iowa staple since the mid-1960s, A-E party dip represents only one achievement for the beloved family-owned Iowa dairy chain. 

Starting alongside the Great Depression, Iver Erickson and Bill Anderson offered Des Moines home milk delivery. By the late 1930s, Erickson held sole ownership of a growing business which continued to expand over the mid-20th century. At a 1950s peak A-E milkmen serviced roughly 150 routes throughout Iowa while offering a variety of products.

After debuting Party Dip in the early 1960s, the company continued to grow. In 1966, Annie the Cow debuted on the important intersection headquarters of the company between the Iowa State Fairgrounds and downtown Des Moines. The 14’ tall fiberglass statue weighs nearly 2500 lbs. A decade later, in 1977, the smaller statue of Eric the Calf debuted.

Across the late 20th century, the business expanded into Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company continues a weekly taste test, originally started by Iver Erickson and continued today by his granddaughter Miriam, making sure Iowans will continue to enjoy A-E products as the life of many parties statewide. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar