Ernest Cousins founded his dairy business in 1889 at the age of 24, going door to door selling milk from a two wheeled cart. Lovell's of Montreal lists Ernest's occupation in 1892 as a milkman and later a dairyman. As an recognized dairyman in the community his routes flourished. The Imperial Ice Cream Shop opens up in 1907 and one year later Ernest becomes one of the shop's managers. In 1909, the combination of both an ever expanding series of milk routes and the success of the ice cream shop, allows him to open a small dairy of his own two doors down. Spring 1909, "Ernest Cousins - Zouave Dairy" opens up at 31 Montee du Zouave. Montee du Zouave was located on a side street east on St. Denis at Sherbrooke. Today the street is named Terrace St. Denis. Along with the Imperial Ice Cream Shop, Ernest would acquire Wildgrove Limited, a company which sold butter and eggs (located on Colborne Ave), as well as several other small shops all in the downtown core.
The business would grow and by 1928 a new, much larger permanent home for the dairy would be built at the site of 175 Colborne Ave. One year later the dairy changes it's name from Ernest Cousin's - Zouave Dairy to simply Ernest Cousins Limited. The dairy would continue to expand under the Blue Crest Dairy label. Shoppes and ice cream parlors opened all over Montreal and the surrounding area selling butter, eggs, cheese, ice cream, buttermilk and related items. The family business would continue to operate until 1961. At this point, with the retirement of Ernest Sr. at the age of 96, and the need to up grade plant equipment the dairy was sold and moved to Bordens Co. Ltd at 3115 Cote de Liesse. Three years later Ernest Sr. died February 19th 1964 in his home at the age of 98.
The business would grow and by 1928 a new, much larger permanent home for the dairy would be built at the site of 175 Colborne Ave. One year later the dairy changes it's name from Ernest Cousin's - Zouave Dairy to simply Ernest Cousins Limited. The dairy would continue to expand under the Blue Crest Dairy label. Shoppes and ice cream parlors opened all over Montreal and the surrounding area selling butter, eggs, cheese, ice cream, buttermilk and related items. The family business would continue to operate until 1961. At this point, with the retirement of Ernest Sr. at the age of 96, and the need to up grade plant equipment the dairy was sold and moved to Bordens Co. Ltd at 3115 Cote de Liesse. Three years later Ernest Sr. died February 19th 1964 in his home at the age of 98.
