Beech Tree News Network

You can learn the most interesting things on Little Steven’s Underground Garage.  This one came from the boss himself, Steven Van Zandt, on his 11 am radio show. This one from a few days ago stood out to me so, naturally, I looked it up for more information.

Twinkies were invented in Schiller Park, Illinois on April 6, 1930, by James Alexander Dewar (pronounced Dooer), a Canadian-born baker for the Continental Baking Company.  Dewar got the idea for the Twinkie while he delivered one of their products, a cream filled strawberry shortcake.  The machines to make these sat idle when the strawberry season was over so he came up with an idea to use them to make a snack cake filled with banana filling and only charge a nickel for a package of 2.  It was a good idea, as money was light for people during the great depression.

Just like the Louis Prima song called “Yes, we have no Banana’s” become popular during WWII because bananas were rationed, Hostess had to come up with a different filling.  They switched to vanilla crème and it was so popular they never changed it back.  The Twinkie rose to prominence in the 1950’s in great part due to Hostess sponsoring the Howdy Doody Show, featuring the twinkie. 

During the ‘60’s when there were huge fears of a nuclear attack, many bomb shelters were built.  Twinkies were one of the most popular items to have because it was said they “stay fresh forever”.  It has become an American icon.  Even former president Clinton put one in a time capsule.  They remain Hostess’ best selling snack cake producing half a billion a year! (www.kitchenproject.com)

Twinkies are one of my favorite snacks (when I’ll allow myself to have one).  The next time you eat a Twinkie, you can think, and maybe even share the knowledge of, the origin of this tasty treat.