From the May 24th Chicago Sun-Times "Popcorn wagon blazed trail for concessions" by Cheryl V. Jackson.
"It's a corny business that's still popping after 125 years and five generations of family leadership." A great opening to the story.
Charlie Cretor, great-grandson of founder Charles Cretor, says they weren't successful enough to become a big company like Gm nor unsuccessful enough to go out of business.
The Cretor's company at 3243 N. California still makes equipment that makes and keeps popcorn warm, hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy and other concessions. They got their start at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. To draw crowds, great grandpa Charles would give away popcorn for ten to fifteen minutes and charging after a line formed. These popcorn wagons led the way for today's $10 billion US concession industry.
The company employs about 70 people today. Last week, they hosted an anniversary gala at the Museum of Science and Industry, the only remaining structure from the Columbian Exposition.
And, I really love my p-o-p-c-o-r-n!!!!
A Little-Known Company That had an Impact. --Cooter
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