1979 - 1987
4th Generation

Arlene and Joe continued for 18 years to manufacture and retail ice cream.  The three Fraser boys began to help out in the business in various different jobs as they became old enough to do so.  In 1979 after John Fraser retired, Arlene’s husband, Joe, gave up corporate life and returned to Erikson’s Dairy Inc. to assist Arlene with the operation of the business which had continued to grow in the eighteen year period.  To keep up with the rapid pace only a few minor modifications in the operation were made.
A. The season was extended to seven months
B. The variety of flavors were increased.
C. Prepackaged ice cream in ½ gallons were introduced
D. Freezer capacity was increased
E. Bulk storage for mix was increased
F. Ice Cream freezers and compressors were upgraded

A new downtown store was opened by Erikson’s Dairy  in 1979 called the H.A. Erikson Ice  Cream Shoppe.  It was a satellite of our existing stand which would remain open 12 months of the year.  The new outlet proved to be a learning experience even with our many years of expertise in the field.  Again, because of our reputation and quality we were able to build a lucrative business at a new location.  We did not realize it would demand so much of our time.  We found it difficult to operate both the store and the stand during our peak season.  At the same time, unknowingly, Joe was headed for a lone siege in the hospital plus a long recovery period.  The decision to sell the location but not the name was made so we could concentrate on our Great Rd stand.
The success of any business depends on the customer and the repeat satisfied customer.  Over the past 70 years three and four generations have visited our stand and proved their satisfaction.  Some return every day and others stop in every year on a visit home sometime from as far away as California  or Florida.  To these loyal customers we say- THANK YOU.
We count Secretary of States, Governors and Corporate Heads among our customers.  George Shultz, Secretary of State under Reagan, was not only a milk customer when he lived on Red Acre Rd. in Stow but, also an avid ice cream eater.  The Herter family were also milk customers and ice cream customers.  Herter was governor of Massachusetts and Secretary of  State under Eisenhower.  Tom Samon, Governor of Vermont, was not only an ice cream customer but also the brother in law to one of our ice cream scoopers.  The John Mars family, originators of the M&M and owners of the country’s largest family owned corporation have been our guests.  T.V.  personalities are often at our windows: Bob Lobel and his  ex-wife Susan Warnick of Sudbury Channel 4 sports commentator and channel 5 news, David Roebick of Concord Channel 5 news, Bob Copeland and many more that we probably do not recognize.  TV crews and commentators stopped in each day after interviewing the Browns in Stow about the hostage situation.   One of our scoopers became real excited when he realized he had just waited on Doug Fluties’ father. Next in importance to our customers, come our past employees.  Over the 70 year period of operation we have had approximately 2000 high school and college students, boys and girls from Maynard and
the surrounding towns.  Our past alumni include doctors, lawyers, mothers, corporate vice presidents, air line pilots, sports commentators and many more.  Often they come back to visit us, taking is never the answer to the success of a small business,  not only to give when you have been asked but to continue to support from year to year the right cause.  Over the past 61 years from the time of Mr. Erikson to the present, Erikson’s has contributed to the support of local activities.  Erikson’s has sponsored first the Pony League and then the Assabet Little League for 35 continuous  years.  Support has also been given to Churches in the community along with Youth Football, American Legion Baseball, Booster Club and many other organizations and functions too numerous to name.