Turkey Hill returning to its roots

Some 75 years ago, Turkey Hill Dairy got a small start by delivering milk here in Columbia.
Now, the fourth largest ice cream maker and largest ice tea maker in the United States is returning to its roots.

Welcome to the Turkey Hill Experience, an interactive museum, being built in Columbia at Third and Linden streets.
Around 100 people gathered at the site of the $11 plus million project for the kickoff for construction. The Turkey Hill Experience is expected to be completed in April of next year.
Quentin Frey is the president of Turkey Hill Dairy. They have invested $6 million to the project.
"This is a momentous time for our company and for Columbia," said Frey. "This is the beginning of an exciting times for all of us and will lead to the revitalization of the area and promote tourism."
"This is a very exciting day for Turkey Hill Dairy, a very exciting day for the borough of Columbia, Lancaster County and the state of Pennsylvania," said John Cox, also of Turkey Hill Dairy.
"This day seemed to be slow in coming but with vision, persistence and cooperation helped clear all the obstacles," Cox said.
Cox said between 40 and 50 jobs will be created and its expected more than 250,000 people will visit the attraction yearly.
"Some said this would never happen. This is evidence that we can put to rest that it is going to happen," said Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz.
"This proves purchasing the property was the right decision for the borough," Lutz said.
He thanked a number of people from county and state officials along with borough officials including former councilmen John Collier, who fought for the purchase of the property by Columbia about five years ago.
"This was a gateway for Columbia and it wasn't a good site or a good welcome. We making it a good welcome and gateway to Columbia and Lancaster County," Lutz said.
"We are looking for this project to be the keynote part of the economic revitalization of Columbia," Lutz said.
Jeff Seibert represented the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, who helped broker the deal between the borough and Museum Partners, developer of the site.
"We are here today to celebrate progress and to celebrate the working together for the betterment of all of us," Seibert said.
"Turkey Hill stayed the course on this site when other sites were more attractive," Seibert said.
"In eight months we will have a world class facility that Turkey Hill and Columbia can be proud of," Seibert said. "Columbia Borough has the opportunity to share in the success of this project."
Bill Roberts is president of Museum Partners.
"Without the support of Turkey Hill, this project would be a not be possible," Roberts said.