Mildred Ellen Orton

[1] The Ortons launched the original Vermont Country Store catalog business in Fall 1945.

[1] In 1947, Orton authored a cookbook, Cooking with Wholegrains, featuring whole grains instead of white flour.

[1] Orton developed her recipes using stone ground grains from a gristmill in Weston, Vermont.

[1] Stone-ground grains were then introduced as a prominent product at the Vermont Country Store and catalog.

[1] She was survived by her son, Lyman Orton, who now runs Vermont Country Store; stepson, Geoffrey; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.