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According to legend, in 1893 a unique popcorn, peanuts and molasses
confection that was the forerunner to Cracker Jack caramel coated
popcorn and peanuts is introduced by F.W. Rueckheim and Brother, at
the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago's first World's Fair.
In 1896 Louis Rueckheim, F.W.'s brother and partner, discovers
the process for keeping the molasses-covered popcorn morsels from
sticking together. Louis gives the treat to a salesman who exclaims,
"That's crackerjack!" "So it is," says F.W. Rueckheim, who then has
the words trademarked. The song "Take Me Out to
the Ball Game" is written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who writes
the lyrics during a 30-minute subway ride, and Albert Von Tilzer, who
composes the music. Cracker Jack brand is immortalized with the third
line, "Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack." "A
Prize in Every Box" is introduced in 1912 when toys are
inserted into every package.
Sailor Jack and his dog, Bingo, first appear on packages in 1918
. In 1955 Cracker Jack
begins advertising on television with the appearance of Cracker Jack
on CBS-TV's "On Your Account" which was televised to 130 stations nationally. |