In recognition of America 250-Ohio’s August theme, Ohio fairs and festivals, the Supreme Court of Ohio has created a display highlighting how butter laws helped shape these beloved community events.

Butter laws have existed in the region longer than Ohio has been a state. In 1802, the “Second General Assembly of the Territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio” enacted legislation governing the inspection, packing, and labeling of butter throughout the territory.

The invention of oleomargarine in 1869 prompted new efforts to protect consumers and Ohio's dairy industry. Created by French chemist Hippolyte Mège-Mouriès as an inexpensive alternative to butter, oleomargarine primarily consisted of beef fat, milk, and water. Its name derives from the Latin “oleum” (oil) and the Greek “margarites” (pearl). In 1877, Ohio passed a law requiring oleomargarine packages to be distinctly labeled and prohibiting the product from being sold as butter.

A series of additional laws followed. In 1890, Ohio legislators passed an act preventing “deception in the sale of dairy products,” which prohibited the addition of yellow color to oleomargarine. Four years later, the law was expanded to include the prohibition of certain dyes and all other coloring in the product.

In the 1900 case State ex rel. Monnett v. Capital City Dairy Co., the Supreme Court of Ohio upheld the state’s restrictions on coloring oleomargarine. The dairy company appealed, but the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed Ohio’s decision in 1902.

Butter Shapes Fairgoers Experience
The laws intended to preserve butter’s authenticity and competitiveness eventually influenced one of Ohio’s most cherished traditions: the Ohio State Fair.

In 1903, Ohio State University and the Dairy Processors of Ohio hosted a butter sculpting contest, with the winning piece displayed at the Ohio State Fair. That summer, Ohio butter distributor A.T. Shelton & Company debuted what has become one of the fair’s most popular attractions: a cow sculpted entirely from butter.

Today, the American Dairy Association Mideast uses more than 2,200 pounds of expired butter to create themed sculptures each year for the fair. The display attracts approximately 500,000 visitors annually.

See Butter Laws Display in Person
Plan a visit to the Court to learn more about the history of butter laws in Ohio with the America 250 display in the Grand Concourse.

Guests can also tour the Court after hours on Sept. 10 and Sept. 15.

America commemorated its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, marking a historic milestone in the nation's journey. To honor the semiquincentennial, the Court hosted a year-long celebration titled “The Story of America,” highlighting significant historical events that shaped both the nation and Ohio. In addition to digital content, the initiative has featured special events and exhibits at the Court. The celebration aims to spark curiosity, strengthen civic literacy, and recognize pivotal moments in American and Ohio history.