James Dewar (baker)

James Alexander Dewar (February 5, 1897 – June 30, 1985) was the Canadian inventor of the Twinkie.

James Dewar
Born
James Alexander Dewar

(1897-02-05)February 5, 1897
DiedJune 30, 1985(1985-06-30) (aged 88)
OccupationExecutive
Years active1920–1972
EmployerHostess Brands
Known forInventor of the Twinkie
Spouse(s)Sylvia D. Dewar
Children2
Parent(s)Allen Dewar
Louisa Gray Dewar

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 that 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

  1. "Dewar.pdf". Google Docs. Retrieved 2016-12-02.
  2. 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.
  3. "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 ...


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