Mabel White Holmes facts for kids

Mabel White Holmes (born December 1, 1890 – died November 1977) was a clever inventor and a successful businesswoman. She created the famous Jiffy baking mixes and was the president of the Chelsea Milling Company.

Early Life and Education

Mabel White Holmes was born in Mattoon, Illinois. Her father, E.K. White, owned a flour mill, so Mabel grew up around the milling business. She finished Chelsea High School in 1907. After high school, she went to Eastern Michigan University, which was called Ypsilanti Normal College back then. Before she got married and invented Jiffy Mix, Mabel worked as a school teacher in Illinois.

Family Business Connection

Mabel's father, E.K. White, started a flour mill in 1887. This mill later became the Chelsea Milling Company in 1901. In 1908, her father sold the company to her future father-in-law, Harmon Holmes. Mabel's husband, Howard Holmes, managed the company for many years. After he passed away in 1936, Mabel White Holmes took over as the company president. She was very involved in running the business until the early 1940s.

The Invention of Jiffy Mix

Mabel White Holmes came up with the idea for an easy-to-use baking mix in the late 1920s. She noticed that a friend's widowed father struggled to make a good biscuit. This made her think about creating a product that would save time in the kitchen. She wanted it to be so simple that anyone, even someone who didn't cook much, could use it.

America's First Baking Mix

In 1930, Mabel introduced Jiffy Biscuit Mix. It was America's very first prepared, all-purpose baking mix. She named it "Jiffy Mix" because it took so little time to prepare. While another brand, Bisquick, became very well-known, Jiffy Mix was actually released first. This means Mabel White Holmes's invention holds the title of the first all-purpose baking mix in America.

Jiffy Mix Today

Today, the Jiffy brand offers many different baking mixes. You can find mixes for biscuits, pizza dough, and more. However, their most popular item is still the corn muffin mix.

Legacy and Recognition

Mabel White Holmes's invention changed how people baked at home. Her idea made cooking easier and faster for many families.

Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

In 2015, Mabel White Holmes was honored for her achievements. She was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. This special recognition celebrates women who have made important contributions to Michigan and beyond.

Continuing the Family Legacy

Mabel's grandson, Howdy Holmes, has also played a big role in the family business. He is a former race car driver who competed in the Indianapolis 500. In 1995, Howdy Holmes became the current CEO of the Chelsea Milling Company, continuing his grandmother's legacy.