The American Pop Corn Company’s founder, Cloid H. Smith, made many business ventures during his youth; unsatisfied with the price pop corn from his farm was being sold, he decided to sell his own. He first began his popcorn business in the basement of his home in Schaller, Iowa with the help of his son Howard. The business was so successful that he immediately built a crib in 1914 and a shelling and cleaning building in 1915.
Over the years the company has been at the forefront of innovation in the popcorn industry. The company was the first to package popcorn in metal cans to preserve its freshness. They have also sold it in tubs children could use as toys when empty and in cellophane bags so people could see the quality of their product.
They provided high-quality popcorn to vendors to increase their profits. They sold popping oils, salt, and cartons to the vendors. During the early thirties, they sold popcorn machines on their radio program to people all over the United States for one dollar. People had little money due to the depression but many could afford the dime popcorn cost for a snack for the family. Jolly Time constantly strived to increase its business through innovative advertising campaigns.Several factors led to the continued economic growth of the American Popcorn Company and the pop corn industry in general during the 1930s and 1940s.
Now in the fourth generation of the Smith family, the company continues to be a leader in the field. With constant innovation and research, the family has kept the company vital. Through the widespread use of microwaves and medical experts endorsing popcorn for its high fiber, sales have continued to grow.
According to siouxcitymuseum.org; en.wikipedia.org. Source of photos: internet
