Interview with Ed F. Kruse concerning his experiences as Chairman of the Board, President, General Manager, and Treasurer of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, Texas. Kruse discusses his family background, the history of the Brenham Creamery Company, his work in the creamery as a boy, the cream churning process, and the closing of the butter manufacturing operation in 1958. He also talks about his work as a route supervisor for Swift Ice Cream Company in 1949 and Blue Bell Creameries in 1951, as well as his employment as manager of Blue Bell in 1951, the origin of the Blue Bell label, highlights of his managerial years, opening branches in Austin and Houston, personnel recruitment and selection, his entry into the ice cream jobbing business in 1967, and opening branches in Beaumont and Mesquite. Kruse shares his views on advertising approaches, the company's sales and market share, the financing operation and organizational structure, government regulations, his role in the future of the company, the effects of the oil boom near Brenham, the ingredients used in Blue Bell products, his civic and trade association activities, and the development of a successful business. At the end of the interview is an Appendix that includes photocopies of various documents relating to the Brenham Creamery Company.
