Quality Fresh & Smoked Meats
PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH SPECIALTIES
Story of our Logo
Dietrich’s logo is inspired by the legendary barn stars of the valley where Verna was born and raised along the Windsor/Perry township lines, near the village of Virginville, Berks County, Pennsylvania. From birth, she was fortunate to be surrounded by the rural agrarian beauty that her forefathers tamed and looked after. Barn stars were (and still are!) prevalent in all of Berks County and, although Verna would move less than ten miles north after marrying Willard, she never forgot the specific style of the stars that were on display in her home valley.
These barn stars were designed and painted by Milton J. Hill (1187-1972), a fellow Pennsylvania Dutchman who lived on and operated a dairy farm just a stone’s throw away with his wife and five children. Forty-four years Verna’s senior, Milt was of an earlier generation than Verna, yet they shared a mutual love and appreciation for their culture that transcends generational lines.
Original Logo from
Early 2000s
Updated Logo from 2020 to Current Day
In the early 2000s, Dietrich’s was searching for an image to represent their Pennsylvania German roots that would be instantly recognizable with their name and products as they moved forward into the digital world. A variation of Milt’s hand-painted, iconic symbols was digitally created for this purpose and has been a part of Dietrich’s ever since.
2024 Lapel Pin
In 2019, Lee S. Heffner, a dear friend of Verna, who also happens to be Milt’s grandson, co-wrote a book titled, “Painter of the Stars” that documents the incredible life and work of Milton J. Hill. In 2024, a custom lapel pin of the barn star was forged upon Verna’s passing, including her name and years, as a token of remembrance and given to all who took part in her public gathering of fellowship.
It is an impeccable honor to be inspired by Milt’s creativity and to be able to share his colorful story with generations of Dietrich’s customers from near and far. It is as though a piece of Verna and Milt’s beloved valley – in essence, a morsel of them - is on display each and every day. We know they would both be so humble and proud.
Verna’s childhood family farm, as it stood during the 1960s, includes a stately stone farmhouse and bank barn with forebay showcasing iconic Milton Hill barn stars. The property is located along present-day Route 143 at the juncture of Strausser Road, near the Windsor and Perry township line. With time, the property has experienced an unrecognizable transformation of the picturesque landscape.
Photo: Don Yoder