Annie and Eric

Since 1966, Annie, the very large fiberglass cow (14 feet tall and a very impressive 2500 pounds) has stood watch at the corner of Hubbell and University, on the front lawn of Anderson Erickson Dairy. This famous Eastside Des Moines landmark was born when AE founder Iver Erickson decided it was important for his company to portray a clean, wholesome image, embodied by a Midwestern dairy cow.

In 1977, she left town for Sparta, Wisconsin, where she received a sprucing up and acquired a calf, Eric, who has stood beside her ever since. Eric is considerably smaller, as a calf should be, at 5 foot 10 inches tall and 250 pounds. Her absence and subsequent return drew quite a bit of notice in the local media and was covered by the Des Moines Register, and on many of the local TV and radio stations. Drawing particular attention was the return of the two cows by flatbed truck. Many drivers on the interstate were amazed to see the two oversize animals traveling along beside them.

Two years ago, Eric’s 25th birthday was celebrated by the dairy and again the media took note. Some years at Christmas, the cows have each sported a festive pair of antlers and stand guard over a beribboned bale of hay. At Iowa State Fair time, the mother and son duo have sported blue ribbons in anticipation of the arrival of the Fair. For many Eastside residents, Annie and Eric are part of the tradition of Anderson Erickson, which has been bringing the freshest dairy products to customers since 1930.