Snacking While Out and About a Century Ago

Snacking While Out and About a Century Ago

What do you do when you are out and about and have a craving for a quick snack? Shoppers, picnickers, theatregoers, or someone simply out for a stroll in the early 20th Century might have stumbled across a popcorn and peanut machine like one shown in this trade catalog.
The
trade catalog
is by
C. Cretors & Co.
and is both untitled and undated. However, we believe it was published circa 1924 by piecing together some information from the catalog, such as the company was established in 1885, it mentions 40 years of experience in building these machines, and it has a library stamp date of 1924 on the front pages.
C. Cretors & Co., Chicago, IL.
Untitled C. Cretors & Co. trade catalog
(undated), front cover.
These popcorn and peanut machines were suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Some ideas for locations included theatres, department stores, ballgames, fairs, parks, picnic areas, and even sidewalks. The machines were constructed of all-steel frames and finished with paint and varnish. The various metal parts were nickel-plated. After completion, each machine was tested by inspectors.
C. Cretors & Co., Chicago, IL.
Untitled C. Cretors & Co. trade catalog
(undated), page 3, Index and C. Cretors & Co. building.
The popcorn machines included a self-seasoning popper. This meant the flavor was “cooked right into the corn” during the popping process rather than being “smeared on afterwards.” This also saved time as additional buttering or salting was not necessary.
The machine was ready to begin popping within three minutes after the burner was lit. And then approximately every three minutes after that, it could pop 10-12 bags. The popcorn never encountered the burner’s fire or fumes which prevented it from having the taste or smell of gasoline.
C. Cretors & Co., Chicago, IL.
Untitled C. Cretors & Co. trade catalog
(undated), pages 22-23, general information about machines including images of a popcorn popper and machine shop where machines were built.
According to this catalog, the parts of the machine were easy to access which helped with cleaning. It recommends spending just “15 minutes daily” to keep it clean.
One full page of this catalog is devoted to information about steam engines and electric motors used in these machines. As the catalog points out, the electric motor (below, bottom right) might not be as beautiful as the steam engine, but it was a good option when a machine was positioned indoors or in front of a store. That is, if a nearby and ready supply of electrical current was available.
C. Cretors & Co., Chicago, IL.
Untitled C. Cretors & Co. trade catalog
(undated), page 24, steam engines and electric motors for the popcorn and peanut machines.
The Enlarged No. 6 “Earn-More” Machine is featured on the first page of this catalog (below). Though it was a stand-alone machine and not incorporated into a wagon or automobile, it was equipped with casters to make it mobile. With a name…