THE MILKY WAY

A glimpse into the past

The Milky Way Complex boasts a rich history, tracing its roots back to 1877 when it was originally known as Roberts Dairy. This iconic name represented William H. Roberts and Sons, a family-run dairy and home delivery business.

EARLY BEGINNINGS

In 1877, William H. Roberts formed a business partnership with his brother-in-law, Silas Tyner, under the name Tyner-Roberts. Their venture began with the sale of fresh milk from a mule-drawn vehicle. By 1910, Roberts had bought out Tyner, and his sons Ralph and Guy Roberts joined the business. In 1919, the enterprise was incorporated as William H. Roberts and Sons, with J. Benjamin and W. Henry Roberts also coming on board.

INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Roberts Dairy was known for its innovations, including being the first dairy in the area to use glass milk bottles around 1900, the same year they purchased property at 4201 Millersville Road. Their product offerings expanded beyond milk to include bread, eggs, orange juice, butter, bacon, sausage, and ice cream. Despite the advent of motor vehicles, horse-drawn wagons remained a staple of their home delivery service until 1946.


Throughout its operation, Roberts Dairy expanded by acquiring other dairies, such as the Indianapolis-based Hornaday in 1963 and Lindner's Dairy Centers in 1982, which doubled their workforce to 700 employees. They also began supplying stores, schools, and hospitals in 1935, though home deliveries remained their core business.

The dairy industry faced numerous challenges, including changing consumer habits and a local milk price war, which led to Roberts Dairy declaring bankruptcy in June 1987. The company was acquired by Maplehurst Farms, and although the Roberts name and logo were retained, the Indianapolis location was eventually closed by Dean Foods in 1999.

TRANSFORMATION INTO THE MILKY WAY

In 2009, the building was renamed Park Way Complex. Don Arbogast owned the building briefly from December 2013 to September 2014. Michael Boaz then acquired it in 2014, undertaking significant renovations and renaming it the Milky Way Complex. Today, the Milky Way Complex stands as a testament to its storied past while serving as a modern hub for businesses.