Millward Market - History of a Family Business

To the left is a colorized version of the original neon sign that was placed over the entrance to Millward's Market at 2912 College Avenue (see picture below). Art work courtesy of Cort Millward.

Joseph Eastham Millward opened what is believed to be the first Millward's Market in Grantsville, Utah, in the early 1930's. "Jody", as he was affectionately called, had served as a County Assessor for 8 years and worked as a sheep inspector before deciding to go into the meat business. This small establishment was located on Main Street, next to his residence. Following in their father's footsteps, several of Jody's sons operated a "modern-day" Millward's Market in the early 1940's-1950's in Berkeley, California (see below). Another son opened a Millward's Market in Warden, Washington in the 1960's.

This is the building in which Jody operated his meat business in the 1930's. It was purchased in Burmester, Utah and then moved to Grantsville. It was first lived in by my father, then used by Jody, and later became a home for Native American families until it was torn down in the 1960's.	Here Jody proudly welcomes customers to his establishment. His residence, which was built in 1862 by his father, Andrew Vickers Millward, can be seen directly behind him to the left.	Jody provided nothing but the best for the population of Grantsville. He slaughtered and prepared his own beef and sheep on site. It doesn't get any fresher than that.

Flyer from June 12-14, 1947 (Click on picture for enlarged version)

A "modern day" Millward's Market operated in the Elmwood District in Berkeley, California from the mid 1940's until the early 1950's. The Market operated at two locations: 2901 College (corner of Russell) and later at 2912 College Avenue. This neighborhood meat market was operated by the Millward brothers: Franklin Curtis Millward, Andrew Selden Millward (my father), Robert LaVar Millward, Jack Millward, and William Joseph Millward. Other members of the family also participated in this venture, including Nanette W. Millward, Frank C. Millward, Jr., Roslyn Millward, Geoffrey C. Millward, Philip W. Millward and Gary Millward. The Millward brothers prided themselves in providing the best of fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables as well as a selection of canned goods.

Above is an enhancement of an original Millward's Market Appreciation Sale flyer published from June 12-14,1947 while the market was at its first location at 2901 College Avenue. Flyers were published periodically and were handed out throughout the neighborhood or included as inserts in the local paper, the Berkeley Gazette. The original of this flyer was found in an antique store in Berkeley, California and was enhanced from black and white to color.

Some noteworthy prices in 1947 included: lamb at 27 cents per pound, ham at 25 cents per pound, and cross rib roast at 31 cents per pound. Milk was only 12 cents a quart, or 23 cents for a half gallon. Butter was 42 cents a pound. And how about that bacon for 35 cents?

To the right is a 1944 photograph of Millward's Market when it was located at 2901 College Avenue in the Elmwood District in Berkeley, California.

The Elmwood District is now a prestigious location for upscale shops and restaurants. This corner is now occupied by a toy store called "Sweet Dreams". Photograph courtesy of Geoffrey C. Millward.

Five of the seven Millward Brothers standing in front of Curtis' house on Stuart Street in Berkeley, California in August 1937. Left to right: Curtis, Selden, Gwynne, LaVar, and Jack. Photograph of interior of the new Millward's Market when it opened at 2912 College Avenue. Note the stylish attire of the lady customers and the unforgettable deer head on the wall. It's 10:20 a.m. and everyone is ready to do business.

This photograph was taken to celebrate the opening of the new Millward's Market. In the back row are: Curtis Millward and Selden Millward to the far left, and Elmer Harker to the far right. Located in the front row to the far right are Don C. Wood and Heber J. Brown. Does anyone know who the others are? Note the difference between the two signs: The neon sign says "Millward Market" while the awning says "Millward's Market". Photograph courtesy of Philip Millward.

After the Millward brothers closed their store in Berkeley, California, another brother, Gwynne, opened a Millward's Market in Warden, Washington. My father, Selden and I had the opportunity to visit his store in 1964. It was great to see the Millward's Market sign displayed once again. We made the trip in my new 1963 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible.

If any reader has information, memorabilia, or memories regarding Millward's Market, please contact the author of this page: millward@interwrx.com