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Scoop: Notes from a Small Ice Cream Shop
I was not prone to drastic actions. I did not rush into the unknown. After fifteen years as a more or less effective lawyer, I approached decisions with a certain caution. I weighed not only the pros and cons, but also examined all likely consequences and reasonably foreseeable risks. Looking back, I wondered what could have prompted me to take those initial steps down a path that would alter the course of the rest of my life armed with only an optimistic hunch and knowledge that turning back was not an option.”
Minnesota-born lawyer, Jeff, and his partner, Dean, enjoyed a successful and fashionable life in London. They shopped at Harvey Nichols, walked their dogs in Kensington Gardens, and vacationed in France and Tibet. Yet, they dreamed of a new life. In January, Jeff was promoted to a coveted position at his bank; in March, he resigned. Jeff and Dean sold their house, packed the dogs, and moved to the sleepy resort town of Hayward, Wisconsin, where they acquired a nostalgic ice cream shop and rundown Victorian mansion.
Scoop: Notes from a Small Ice Cream Shop is the chronicle of Jeff and Dean’s first year in Hayward—how they are welcomed by a collection of colorful characters and how they are humbled by the challenges of operating both the ice cream shop and a bed and breakfast. It is also a story of Hayward and how the traditions and the stories of those who built the town helped our entrepreneurs adjust to the rhythm of life in their new home.
Jeff Miller was born in Browerville, Minnesota. He spent years as an international lawyer in New York, Hong Kong, and London. Since 2005 he has lived in Hayward, Wisconsin, where he operates West’s Hayward Dairy and McCormick House Inn.
Minnesota-born lawyer, Jeff, and his partner, Dean, enjoyed a successful and fashionable life in London. They shopped at Harvey Nichols, walked their dogs in Kensington Gardens, and vacationed in France and Tibet. Yet, they dreamed of a new life. In January, Jeff was promoted to a coveted position at his bank; in March, he resigned. Jeff and Dean sold their house, packed the dogs, and moved to the sleepy resort town of Hayward, Wisconsin, where they acquired a nostalgic ice cream shop and rundown Victorian mansion.
Scoop: Notes from a Small Ice Cream Shop is the chronicle of Jeff and Dean’s first year in Hayward—how they are welcomed by a collection of colorful characters and how they are humbled by the challenges of operating both the ice cream shop and a bed and breakfast. It is also a story of Hayward and how the traditions and the stories of those who built the town helped our entrepreneurs adjust to the rhythm of life in their new home.
Jeff Miller was born in Browerville, Minnesota. He spent years as an international lawyer in New York, Hong Kong, and London. Since 2005 he has lived in Hayward, Wisconsin, where he operates West’s Hayward Dairy and McCormick House Inn.
356 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 7, 2019
This is a quiet little fish-out-of-water memoir set in the small Northwoods WI town that my mom now lives in. Not so coincidentally, it's about the ice cream shop I most love visiting when I'm there. I suspect my knowledge of Hayward and some of its "institutions" enhances my enjoyment of this book. (Jeff comes off as a nice enough guy, who occasionally tells his stories like he's still trying to explain things to his friends in London, which I found to be sometimes overlong). I'm not sure I buy that there was absolutely no bumps in the road moving to that particular part of the world as part of a committed, gay couple ... but Jeff's affection for his adopted home shines through it all and perhaps that explains the lack of any hint of the former.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2014
What happens to a dream not deferred but seized? Jeff and Dean built their dreams of independence within the constricted lives as harried lawyers working for mega-CitiBank in London and Hong Kong. And, Jeff Miller’s memoir presents the opening of these dreams.
“Scoop” is a rare memoir because its life continues today. Most are set in the past where time provides a buffer for reflection. Not here. In fact, yesterday morning I finished reading it, and in the afternoon I visited the author in West’s Dairy where much of the narrative is set. I asked him if it was risky to publish a book about people who come in the door? Was there any backlash from people he included in the story? “None that I know about,” he calmly replied. I suspect that the positive reactions from the locals stem from Miller’s optimistic attitude and industrious work ethic. And, yes, the ice cream is yummy creamy.
The structure of the work appears simple: spring, summer, autumn, winter. But knowing the wide-ranging climate in Hayward, Wisconsin, these simple divisions are actually dramatic. Miller takes us through not only the weather’s effect on their new businesses (at West’s Dairy selling ice cream cones at -20ºF in January, and at the McCormick House B&B renting elegant rooms rowdy, intoxicated locals) but also he focuses on the community events during each season that make Hayward a great destination – to name a few that are covered in the book: opening fishing season in May, Muskie Fest in June, Lumber Jack Days in July, Fat Tire races in September, deer hunting in November, and the Birkie Ski races in February. Miller finds the pulse of each event by vividly accounting for the people and the weather involved.
His most endearing treatment is that of a local man, old Buck who preceded Miller at the dairy as one of those old timers who just hangs around the place. Buck may sit and watch The Price is Right every day on the t.v. located in West’s Dairy, but in Miller’s life Buck serves both as co-worker and mentor. Miller’s embrace of this crusty Hayward veteran is part of his business success. By including Buck in the furniture of the remodeled dairy, we see how Miller builds his vision of the future based on the foundation of the Dairy’s past rather than tearing down and starting over. Unfortunately this model did not serve the second half of their business dream, the B&B which now stands for sale at $790,000.
Overall, Miller and his friend Dean enter the town as novices and within one year find success both as businessmen and as community members. “Scoop” is also a tribute to a small town’s energetic vision. Miller takes us on a brief but well researched journey through Hayward’s past ranging from its logging boom years established by Hayward and McCormick, then through big fishing years highlighted by the Muskie Hall of Fame’s hero, Louis Spray and then through the Birkie skiing years ignited by local entrepreneur Tony Wise and finally into today’s Hayward with its vibrant tourism industry.
Miller ends his memoir with two chapters that leap out of the four-season structure into a five year retrospective. In these chapters the tone shifts from light hearted to melancholy tinged with hope. We learn that the dairy business grows and that his partner Dean’s vision wilts. Finally with Dean’s departure, Miller’s more literary styled writing skills are revealed. I heard movie music in the background while reading the final pages. It’s the music of ice cream dreams and lost friend blues.
“Scoop” is a rare memoir because its life continues today. Most are set in the past where time provides a buffer for reflection. Not here. In fact, yesterday morning I finished reading it, and in the afternoon I visited the author in West’s Dairy where much of the narrative is set. I asked him if it was risky to publish a book about people who come in the door? Was there any backlash from people he included in the story? “None that I know about,” he calmly replied. I suspect that the positive reactions from the locals stem from Miller’s optimistic attitude and industrious work ethic. And, yes, the ice cream is yummy creamy.
The structure of the work appears simple: spring, summer, autumn, winter. But knowing the wide-ranging climate in Hayward, Wisconsin, these simple divisions are actually dramatic. Miller takes us through not only the weather’s effect on their new businesses (at West’s Dairy selling ice cream cones at -20ºF in January, and at the McCormick House B&B renting elegant rooms rowdy, intoxicated locals) but also he focuses on the community events during each season that make Hayward a great destination – to name a few that are covered in the book: opening fishing season in May, Muskie Fest in June, Lumber Jack Days in July, Fat Tire races in September, deer hunting in November, and the Birkie Ski races in February. Miller finds the pulse of each event by vividly accounting for the people and the weather involved.
His most endearing treatment is that of a local man, old Buck who preceded Miller at the dairy as one of those old timers who just hangs around the place. Buck may sit and watch The Price is Right every day on the t.v. located in West’s Dairy, but in Miller’s life Buck serves both as co-worker and mentor. Miller’s embrace of this crusty Hayward veteran is part of his business success. By including Buck in the furniture of the remodeled dairy, we see how Miller builds his vision of the future based on the foundation of the Dairy’s past rather than tearing down and starting over. Unfortunately this model did not serve the second half of their business dream, the B&B which now stands for sale at $790,000.
Overall, Miller and his friend Dean enter the town as novices and within one year find success both as businessmen and as community members. “Scoop” is also a tribute to a small town’s energetic vision. Miller takes us on a brief but well researched journey through Hayward’s past ranging from its logging boom years established by Hayward and McCormick, then through big fishing years highlighted by the Muskie Hall of Fame’s hero, Louis Spray and then through the Birkie skiing years ignited by local entrepreneur Tony Wise and finally into today’s Hayward with its vibrant tourism industry.
Miller ends his memoir with two chapters that leap out of the four-season structure into a five year retrospective. In these chapters the tone shifts from light hearted to melancholy tinged with hope. We learn that the dairy business grows and that his partner Dean’s vision wilts. Finally with Dean’s departure, Miller’s more literary styled writing skills are revealed. I heard movie music in the background while reading the final pages. It’s the music of ice cream dreams and lost friend blues.
February 12, 2018
Imagine relocating from London to a small northern Wisconsin community named Hayward. That's what the author and his friend did. The author was native to the area of Wis. After a visit to the area and in an attempt to rid themselves of the stress of the business world, the two bought an ice cream shop. The book tells of learning to deliver milk, make ice cream, and eventually buy an old mansion and convert to a bed and breakfast. Some of the charm of small town life permeates the book.
September 27, 2014
OK, so I wouldn't have read this had my sister-in-law given me the scoop on this behind the scenes (or should I say counter) peek at our hometown (and, yes, it's a little heavy on extraneous detail) but...incredibly charming, and what a walk down memory lane. How I loved those little 25 cent bags of cranberry juice!
August 27, 2016
Entertaining book until the final pages when you become depressed, think, "well, what the hell?" and go wallow in a pint of Ben & Jerry's.
September 6, 2020
This is a wonderful memoir about the grand adventure of moving to another country (or in one's case, moving back after 25 years abroad) and buying/starting up not one but two business simultaneously: the local iconic ice cream shop (West's Dairy), and a historic mansion that has fallen into disrepair, with intent to turn it into a B&B (McCormick House). The author takes the lead on the former, while his partner throws himself with great enthusiasm into the latter, lending support to the other when needed and meeting back at their rural cabin.
Of the two businesses, I expected to be more interested in the latter -- and there was absolutely enough detail about how they repaired & refurbished the mansion to keep me happy, a pleasant surprise when I thought that was going to have to be left in the background -- but I found myself utterly rapt by the small-town charm of the ice cream shop and the local characters who come with it (in Buck's case, somewhat literally).
From beginning to end, it's packed with details of exactly the kind of town you take road trips to find, and describes various events that happen there in such a vivacious way, I felt like I was reliving memories of an actual trip. Hayward itself is a little far for a day trip from where I am, if technically not impossible, but it gave me so much inspiration to find similar places. And because the book only covers the first year (2005) and is divided into quadrants by season, it's perfect no matter what time of year you read it.
Besides Buck (and later Vivian), I loved all the teenage shop employees (who were pretty much my contemporaries, since I graduated in '04), and the great relationship they seemed to have with Jeff. I was equally fascinated by the minutiae of how much time, money and creativity they expended to overhaul each location and establish themselves as business owners, despite no direct business-running experience (their backgrounds being "corporate lawyer" and "high end sales associate"). It's not always easy to strike the right balance between getting bogged down in too much detail and glossing over too much, but Miller nailed it. By the end I felt like I'd actually been present for a year of renovations and innovations. Even better, there are some stories about the early days of running the B&B. I've stayed in a few, but I've never read a book from an owner's perspective, so that was great.
Finally, I really liked Dean and Jeff's relationship, which was subtle, understated and mostly in the background, but still managed to convey a strong sense of warmth, support and shared history.
Then the epilogue came along and punched me in the heart muscle. I feel like it was probably necessary in order to cover the number of years between where the memoir ends and present day in order to ward off awkward questions, but it really took an axe to my wave of happiness.
Looking forward: after some poking about I found that West's Dairy was sold to new owners in May 2015, and McCormick House is also for sale, but as far as I can tell both are still in operation. I hope that I can muster up the funds to stay there sometime soon, because there is nothing quite so magical as reading about a place in a book, and then realizing you can actually go there and see it for yourself.
Of the two businesses, I expected to be more interested in the latter -- and there was absolutely enough detail about how they repaired & refurbished the mansion to keep me happy, a pleasant surprise when I thought that was going to have to be left in the background -- but I found myself utterly rapt by the small-town charm of the ice cream shop and the local characters who come with it (in Buck's case, somewhat literally).
From beginning to end, it's packed with details of exactly the kind of town you take road trips to find, and describes various events that happen there in such a vivacious way, I felt like I was reliving memories of an actual trip. Hayward itself is a little far for a day trip from where I am, if technically not impossible, but it gave me so much inspiration to find similar places. And because the book only covers the first year (2005) and is divided into quadrants by season, it's perfect no matter what time of year you read it.
Besides Buck (and later Vivian), I loved all the teenage shop employees (who were pretty much my contemporaries, since I graduated in '04), and the great relationship they seemed to have with Jeff. I was equally fascinated by the minutiae of how much time, money and creativity they expended to overhaul each location and establish themselves as business owners, despite no direct business-running experience (their backgrounds being "corporate lawyer" and "high end sales associate"). It's not always easy to strike the right balance between getting bogged down in too much detail and glossing over too much, but Miller nailed it. By the end I felt like I'd actually been present for a year of renovations and innovations. Even better, there are some stories about the early days of running the B&B. I've stayed in a few, but I've never read a book from an owner's perspective, so that was great.
Finally, I really liked Dean and Jeff's relationship, which was subtle, understated and mostly in the background, but still managed to convey a strong sense of warmth, support and shared history.
Then the epilogue came along and punched me in the heart muscle. I feel like it was probably necessary in order to cover the number of years between where the memoir ends and present day in order to ward off awkward questions, but it really took an axe to my wave of happiness.
Looking forward: after some poking about I found that West's Dairy was sold to new owners in May 2015, and McCormick House is also for sale, but as far as I can tell both are still in operation. I hope that I can muster up the funds to stay there sometime soon, because there is nothing quite so magical as reading about a place in a book, and then realizing you can actually go there and see it for yourself.
February 9, 2016
This book was fine. I liked that I knew some of the places the author talked about, that's always fun. The writing itself every once in awhile felt like a high school writing assignment where the writer was told to describe a scene in detail, it was a little overdone sometimes. Especially the parts that were meant to describe the changing of the seasons, at times it came off very cliched. Sometimes the author came off a bit condescending as well, like ha ha, look at these hicks with their fishing and their hunting and their supper clubs, they're so much less refined than we are. I understand there are culture differences, and pointing those out is a big part of this story, but sometimes it got me feeling a little defensive. Which I suppose is on me, not the author. I do wonder how some of the people he wrote about feel about what he said. In the end though, it made me cry, which probably says something about the writer's abilities.
November 23, 2014
Jeff Miller walks us through the first year of his drastic career change. Though born in Minnesota, Jeff has spent the last several years living in London with his partner, Dean. Tired of the rat race and eager to embrace a more leisurely life, Jeff & Dean move to Hayward, Wisconsin, musky capitol of the world, where they purchase and renovate West's Dairy, the local ice cream shop. In addition, they purchase the McCormick mansion, home of a former lumber baron, and turn it into an upscale B & B. Both Jeff & Dean jump right in to small town Wisconsin life. They experience many ups & downs, but keep their sense of humor and embrace the colorful cast of characters that become an important part of their lives. This memoir reads like an episode from the television series "Newhart". It is a delightful read for the cabin and will appeal to many.
July 5, 2017
I was primed to love this book. It wouldn't have required much to be compelling: gay men who leave city life for the rural Northwoods of Wisconsin. Just swap genders and, heck, I could write this book! But the writing is lousy and the story is lacking much in the way of plot or tension (I think the point at which they *gasp* have to take out a loan to finish their million-dollar remodel is supposed to provide that). Most significantly, the author comes across as an insensitive, privileged, white gay man for whom racism and misogyny comes easily. He refers to a woman from their area who relocated to Harlem as preferring her "slum life." And he describes a transgender woman as a "transsexual" who "dresses like she buys her clothes from a Mennonite garage sale." This book was published as a novelty -- gay men in the rural north. Whoopie!
August 12, 2015
3.5 - I really enjoyed this book. I am certain my enjoyment was enhanced by my familiarity with Hayward. I could picture every scene pretty darn vibrantly. Th author developed the characters well, making me feel I was in the ice cream shop with Buck. In fact, I'd like to pull out the cribbage board and have a game with him! The drastic move from London to Hayward is something I can't quite imagine. I've contemplated what it would be like to move there from Minneapolis and can't quite fathom it for me. It was a move that benefitted the community and allowed the author to "come home" in more ways than one. I admire how brave it was and wish I had done something drastic and brave but who knows? Maybe there's still,time!
December 12, 2014
I loved this read!!!! So neat to learn the recent history behind West Dairy in Hayward. Lots of awesome memories were brought up when reading this book since I grew up spending lots of time in Hayward in the summers (and some of the time in the fall and winter). Missing Hayward a lot and ready to go back soon! Next time I will visit the Dairy. I remember a visit in May of 2009 but that have been a while. I didn't give it 5 stars because the Fall and Winter chapters were a bit dull but still a great read!
September 13, 2014
A fun read that really gives you the flavor of life in a small town in the Midwest. It's great to see these 2 men seize their dream and jump in wholeheartedly to their new lifestyle. Jeff is an excellent storyteller with an easy folksy style. I found it heartwarming to see them develop connections with and affection for the locals. As with any life there are ups and downs, challenges and rewards but in the end you feel satisfied that their leap of faith was worth it.
November 23, 2014
Having spent every summer of my pre-adult life in Hayward & plenty of visits to West's, I was excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. I tend to like books with lots of 'characters' and this was a perfect match for that need. I was able to visualize every place mentioned & truly enjoyed the stories, some funny, some poignant.
September 10, 2014
Enjoyable because the storyline of burned out banking lawyer buying a small ice cream shop in a small town resonates with me and takes place in familiar environs. Nice that the relationship between Jeff and his partner is woven naturally into the story--not the focus of the story. Likable characters and some laugh-out-loud lines.
December 30, 2017
I'm not sure this is worth a full five stars, but it's close. I love these kinds of books that describe how someone left their career in the big city to come back to a small rural community and describe some of their experiences. Miller is a gifted writer who takes a fairly tongue-in-cheek view of both himself and others he encounters. I hope he will continue to write other books like this.
February 24, 2016
The true story of two city slickers from London who come to Hayward to open a dairy/ice cream shop and a B&B. It offers an outsider's look at small-town Wisconsin life and traditions. An enjoyable read for anyone contemplating starting a life that's completely different.
November 29, 2014
I live in Hayward and my daughter worked at the Dairy, from that perspective it was an okay read, but Hayward is just not that interesting. I found the personal side of Jeff & Dean to be more interesting and some of the inner workings of the Dairy were good to know.
June 5, 2015
This book was heartwarming and inspiring. We often are too scared and reserved, and it's so refreshing to read about two people who throw caution to the wind and buy a dairy and B&B in Hayward. It was a bit long and could have been tightened up a bit, but it was a fun, lovely story.
January 13, 2016
As an annual visitor to Hayward for the past 22 years, I have enjoyed our pilgrimage to West's for ice cream. Scoop is a nice little read for anyone but probably will hold more meaning to the multitude of people who, like me, have called Hayward their home away from home.
March 23, 2018
A fun look at small town Wisconsin and an unlikely business venture. I had a great day in Hayward 20 yrs ago and well remember the museum with the big fish. I think I need to visit again, this time with a stop for ice cream.
July 19, 2019
I really loved this book. Now, I thought at times it was slightly monotonous due to the voice of the author. However, I loved the storyline and the truth of the characters. Would completely recommend!
September 7, 2014
Scoop is a fun book to read if you're from or live in Hayward - Jeff and I both found it extremely entertaining.
April 29, 2015
As a resident of Hayward, Wisconsin, I really liked the history in this book, plus it was well written.
June 10, 2015
Took me back to growing up in Minnesota, and visiting family in Wisconsin. I would swear I've met most of the characters.
Read
July 12, 2016Loved reading about this shop so close to my parent's cabin. Took me about 50 pages before I got into it, but then is was hooked. I want to go to the shop now.
October 14, 2016
Just a lovely read through life and business in small town wisconsin. Not to be missed. Sometimes I found myself alone and laughing out-loud; as the dog stared up at me in confusion.
March 25, 2018
I like led this book for its calmness and small town appeal
December 6, 2021
True story of two men who moved from London to Hayward Wisconsin and bought an ice cream shop and an old mansion they turned into a B&B. Jeff Miller, a corporate lawyer, who originally grew up in a small town not too far from Hayward, and his partner Dean, who is English, decided to change their lifestyle and retreat from the corporate world. This is the story of their adventures running an ice cream shop and a dairy and a B&B. Great detail is spent on the intricacies of the dairy business, the history of the area and descriptions of the characters they meet along the way. The people in Hayward seem genuinely accepting of the gay couple, and they make friends as they get into the rhythm of small town life. In the end Jeff liked it more than Dean. (spoiler alert)
July 21, 2018
Author is highly insensitive in his descriptions of others. Beyond this, there just isn't much to the story -- perhaps a reasonable depiction of small town life, but not a compelling read.
A few examples of insensitivity:
p. 109: "I noticed Buck, Bruce, and a few men from the co-op's death row in the audience."
p. 327-8: "...she dressed as though she shopped at Mennonite garage sales. [...] Sam was my first transsexual."
p. 336: "Instead, a surly Spanish boy with unfulfilled beard and dreams handed me lukewarm coffee and grunted in European."
A few examples of insensitivity:
p. 109: "I noticed Buck, Bruce, and a few men from the co-op's death row in the audience."
p. 327-8: "...she dressed as though she shopped at Mennonite garage sales. [...] Sam was my first transsexual."
p. 336: "Instead, a surly Spanish boy with unfulfilled beard and dreams handed me lukewarm coffee and grunted in European."
September 4, 2018
Just meh. Nothing very noteworthy happens in this book and it's more just normal happenings in a small town. The writing's a bit stilted and the ending is the most interesting bit, but of course is not explored further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews