In 1947, a Sterling farmer, David Easter Curtis, was credited with building Sterling's first (and only) modern canning plant. Prior to the erection of this plant he had, in the summer of 1937 erected a large three-story frame structure, 100 by 90 feet, which had the capacity of holding nearly 100,000 bushels of fruits and vegetables. The ground floor of this building was used for the storage of root vegetables, such as potatoes and winter fruit which was equipped with specially insulated heavy walls and a complete refrigeration system.

This floor also held a packing room with a grader and polisher. The third floor was used for storage of crates and other equipment.

On completion of the 1947 building, a cooperate was organized as Curtis Fruit Farms Inc., known locally as the Sterling Co-Op, and the following officers were elected: president David Easter Curtis; principal stockholder was Charles Jenkins, president of Red Creek National Bank, who served as vice president, and Joseph Bassett of Red Creek who served as treasurer.

Stockholders were: J. Butts; W. Campbell; M. Carpenter; P. Craine; C. Cuddleback; A. and D.E. Curtis; F. Dennis; G. Ennis; R. Facer; L. Fox; Gannett Bros.; A. Hermenet; L. Irwin and son; Kampel and Palesch; H., R. and son S. McQueen; E. Marsh; Smith Bros.; H. and R. Sergeant; John Cox, and F. Quereau.

John (Jack) Hall and Roger Radley managed the plant operations.

The plant processed and canned cherries, green and wax beans, tomato juice, applesauce and carrots.

When canning operations were in process, two shifts were in force. Many local men and women were employed. A 1963 Sterling Co-Op Birthday Calendar lists 203 employees. Leta Jones was floor lady on the day shift and Marian Tall on the night shift.

Mr. Curtis died in December 1962. After his death, the canning factory was operated by several different managers. Frank Patane was the last to manage the plant, which had operated from 1947 to 1979.

In August 1994, the former Sterling Co-Op was purchased by Sam Zappala of Oswego Shippers and Growers who are using the facility to store and process onions. It now goes by the name Sterling Onions Inc.

Hallie A. Sweeting is the town of Sterling historian.