James Dewar (baker)
| James Dewar | |
|---|---|
| Born | James Alexander Dewar |
| Spouse(s) | Sylvia D. Dewar |
| Parent(s) |
Allen Dewar Louisa Gray Dewar |
James Alexander Dewar (February 5, 1897 – June 30, 1985) was an American inventor of the Twinkie.
Biography
James was born on February 5, 1897 in Cook County, Illinois.
Dewar worked at the Continental Baking Company, which later through a series of mergers and acquisitions became Hostess Brands. He started as a delivery boy in 1920 by delivering pastries by horse-drawn cart. Dewar eventually rose up through the ranks to be a plant manager.
In 1931, Dewar's plant was making strawberry shortcakes but only during strawberry season. Dewar came up with an idea to create a shortcake with cream on the inside instead of strawberries. Having seen a billboard for a shoe company called the "Twinkle Toe Shoe Co." he was inspired to call his shortcake invention a "Twinkie".[1]
Dewar rose to be regional vice-president at Hostess and held that position until 1972.[2]
Dewar died on June 30, 1985 in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the age of 88.
References
- ↑ Belcher, Jerry (July 3, 1985). "Man Who Concocted the Twinkie Dies : James A. Dewar's Treat Is Part of America's Diet and Folklore". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-08-03.
It was Dewar's inspiration to fill the cakes with a sugar-cream mixture, the formula for which is still a tightly held secret. Many of his family members worked in the plant.
- ↑ "James Dewar, Inventor Of The Twinkle, Dies". Los Angeles Times. July 2, 1985. Retrieved 2011-04-06.
Dewar, who said he ate at least two packets of Twinkies a week, vigorously defended the wholesomeness of the snack, which has been described as the "cream ...