James Dewar (baker)
| James Dewar | |
|---|---|
| Born |
James Alexander Dewar February 5, 1897 Pugwash, Nova Scotia |
| Died |
June 30, 1985 (aged 88) Downers Grove, Illinois |
| Occupation | Executive |
| Years active | 1920-1972 |
| Employer | Hostess Brands |
| Known for | Inventor of the Twinkie |
| Spouse(s) | Sylvia D. Dewar |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) |
Allen Dewar Louisa Gray Dewar |
James Alexander Dewar (February 5, 1897 – June 30, 1985) was a Canadian inventor of the Twinkie.
Biography
James Dewar was born on February 5, 1897 in Pugwash River, Nova Scotia
As a young man, Dewar worked on boats shipping timber and limestone, arriving in Chicago on a laker.[1] 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".[2]
Dewar rose to be regional vice-president at Hostess and held that position until 1972.[3]
Dewar died on June 30, 1985 in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the age of 88.
References
- ↑ "Dewar.pdf". Google Docs. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
- ↑ 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 ...