Cretors facts for kids

C. Cretors & Company is an American company that makes machines for popcorn and other snacks. It started in 1885 when Charles Cretors invented the first big machine to pop corn using oil. Today, C. Cretors & Co. is located in Wood Dale, Illinois, and the Cretors family still owns it.

The Story of Cretors & Co.

How It All Began: The Early Years (1880s-1890s)

Charles D. Cretors, Bud Cretors, Andrew Cretors, and Beth Cretors, members of the Cretors family

Charles Cretors was born in Lebanon, Ohio. He later moved to Decatur, Illinois, where he opened a bakery and then a candy shop. He bought a machine to roast peanuts for his shop. But he thought he could make a better one. So, he redesigned it to work much better.

Charles then moved to Chicago, hoping to sell his new machine. He got a special license on December 2, 1885, to test his machine outside his shop. This date is when C. Cretors & Co. officially began!

His new peanut roaster used a small steam engine to do the work automatically. By 1893, Charles had made a steam-powered machine that could roast peanuts and pop popcorn in oil. This machine was special because it was the first to pop popcorn evenly and with its own seasonings. This meant the popcorn tasted the same and was perfect every time. Charles received a patent for his amazing machine in 1893.

One day, Charles met J. M. Savage, a traveling salesman, who bought some roasted peanuts. Mr. Savage was very impressed with the new peanut roaster. He offered to sell it in his area. Charles agreed and hired his very first salesman.

Charles Cretors took his new popcorn wagon to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He showed off his new popcorn product there. At first, he gave away free samples. Soon, people loved the hot, buttered popcorn so much that they lined up to buy bags. The delicious smell of roasting peanuts and fresh popcorn attracted many customers.

Growing with New Ideas (1900s-1930s)

By 1900, Cretors introduced "the Special," which was the first large popcorn wagon pulled by horses. It was a huge hit! They made three different versions of this wagon. Around this time, electricity was becoming more common. Charles Cretors then created the first popcorn machine that used an electric motor.

This is why C. Cretors and Company has one of the oldest active safety numbers (EA175) from Underwriters Laboratories for electric machines. Electric popcorn makers quickly became popular. Steam power was seen as too complicated and sometimes dangerous.

An old drawing of Cretors' "Improved No. 2 Wagon"

As more people started going to movie theaters in the 1920s, Cretors designed bigger machines. These new machines could pop and hold more popcorn. Popcorn stayed popular even during the Great Depression because it was a cheap snack.

Helping During World War II

When World War II started, C. Cretors and Company changed what they made. In 1941, the government stopped companies from making things not needed for the war. So, Cretors became a supplier for the war effort. They bought new equipment and made parts for airplane oil lines and mechanical radio parts, among other things.

After the war, it was hard to find materials. Cretors then made the Super 60, a popcorn machine with a cabinet made entirely of walnut wood. Since then, they have kept designing new popcorn makers and features. They always try to meet the needs of movie theaters, concession stands, and customers.

Expanding Their Products

Cretors has continued to add more products to their line. They now make other food service equipment. This includes warming cabinets, systems for adding toppings, and machines for hot dogs, nacho cheese, caramelizing, and roasting nuts.

What Cretors Makes Today

• Small popcorn machines for snacks
• Large popcorn machines for big events
• Display cases and warming cabinets for popcorn
• Special equipment for fancy popcorn shops
• Machines for toppings and dispensers
• Hot dog equipment
• Cotton candy machines
• Ice shavers