National Fudge Day

Today’s Food History

on this day in…

1794 The first stone was laid for the world’s largest grain windmill in Holland. Known as ‘De Walvisch’ (the whale), it is still in existence.

1855 John Gorrie Died. Gorrie was received the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851.

1893 R.W. Rueckheim invents ‘Cracker Jack’, a popcorn, peanut and molasses confection. It was introduced at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. R.W.’s brother Louis perfected the secret formula in 1896, which prevents the molasses coated popcorn from sticking together. The prize in each box was introduced in 1912.

1903 A one year old company registered its trade name, Pepsi-Cola. It’s original name was ‘Brad’s Drink’ after Caleb Bradham, the pharmacist who developed the formula. He developed the formula at his drugstore in New Bern, North Carolina. I was the manager of the New Bern Golf & Country Club for a while in the 1980’s.

1909 Archie Fairley Carr was born. An American biologist and authority on turtles. His extensive studies and conservation efforts helped to increase turtle populations around the world.

1937 August Busch III was born, current president and chairman of Anheuser Busch (Budweiser Beer, etc.)