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"So, this is a river?" ventured the lad.
"The River," corrected the River Rat. "It's the mighty St. Lawrence and all of its islands."
"And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!"
"By it, and with it, and on it, and in it," said the River Rat. "It's brother and sister to me, friends and food and drink. It's my world and I don't want any other. What it hasn't got is not worth having, and what it doesn't know is not worth knowing."
A "River Rat" can cleat his boat before he knows how to tie his shoe. River Rat is the essence of the North Country - the spirit of the 1000 Islands Region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "River Rat" cheese?

River Rat cheese is a NY statae cheddar produced in the thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence River Valley. Actually there are over 1800 islands and the early explorers and inhabitants who made their living along the shores and among the islands were affectionately referred to as "River Rats". In earlier days there were numerous small cheese factories one of which was established in 1895 on the Hennry Brown farm situated in southern Jefferson County. It was here that the "River Rat" cheese originated.


What's the difference between red waxed cheeses and black waxed?

Traditionally cheddar cheese was made in wheels, varying in size from 3lb gems to 150lb mammoths. The smaller style wheels 3lb and 40lb flats were often dipped in black wax to enhance their appearance and for added protection during shipment. In the 1950's black cheeses appeared on the market. These were cut into consumer sized units and dipped in red wax to enhance their sales appeal. We have adhered to the tradition. There is no difference in the cheese itself.


 

 
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