As the official spokescow for Borden dairy products since the 30′s, Elsie has always combined the role of mother and career cow. By 1939, Elsie, after success in medical journal ads and radio commericials, made her debut in national magazines.

The first live Elsie, a beautiful, fawn colored Jersey cow, made an appearance at the 1940 World’s Fair. RKO Pirctures co-starred her with Kay Francis in the movie “Little Men”

As the decades progressed, her popularity grew and Elsie became more than just a carton cow – she personified young working moms across the country.

By the 60′s, a nationwide survey confirmed that Elsie was the best known and loved corporate trademark in the country.

Animated commercials brought Elsie to life on TV during the 70′s. For decades, Elsie with husband Elmer, daughter Bea and son Beau, continued to tour across the country.

For the past 60-plus years, Elsie has been saying, “If it’s Borden, it’s got to be good.!”

Personally, the first ‘real’ job of my career was performed under the banner of Elsie. I spent about eight years working for Borden (split into Borden Services Company, renamed reSource Partner, bought by Interliant, then out of business). Her legacy lived on in other divisions of Borden after the company split in the 90s.