February 7, 2019 Image from HHM Collections Residents of Hennepin County are always thinking up new ways to stay warm during our frigid winters. About seventy years ago, John W. Smith of Minneapolis invented a product called the Jon-e [...]
December 31, 2018 Honeywell is best known for pioneering the field of automated technology. Some may even argue the company essentially created the entire automated control industry. However, the company’s foray into the computer business is less well known. Honeywell was [...]
Image from HHM Collections In December 1949, a contest was held in which 100 competitors fought for their honor as well as a $25,000 grand prize. The competition was held in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria, but it was the [...]
December 31, 2018 A well-known local figure has modestly enjoyed his fame for over 50 years with a grin and a giggle. Though he may be small, the Pillsbury Doughboy has become larger than life. The beloved brand icon has appeared in over [...]
December 28, 2018 The Jolly Green Giant is almost one hundred years old, but he looks great for his age. He still has a handsome smile and his toga made of leaves has never fit him better. The iconic mascot, arguably one of the [...]
December 28, 2018 Image from HHM Collections Many Americans used to believe Betty Crocker was a real person. This is because her likeness and voice were well publicized throughout the Twentieth Century. Even today, her trademarked signature can be found on [...]
December 27, 2018 Image from HMM Collections In 1987 the Minnesota Twins must have been eating their Wheaties. It is the breakfast of champions after all. That year the Twins won their first World Series, which is why they were featured [...]
December 27, 2018 Image from HHM Collections Most residents of Hennepin County are aware of the vital role that the Pillsbury Company played in the development of Minnesota. Our local history of flour milling is well established. Moreover, for [...]
December 20, 2018 Image from HHM Collections Many Minnesotans get nostalgic about the Holidazzle Parade. The beloved holiday tradition brought together families for a spectacle of sparkling lights, Christmas carols, and wintry fun. It ran for over twenty years, drawing hundreds [...]
December 18, 2018 Image from HHM Collections This bottle of hair gel may seem mundane, but it tells a fascinating story of local innovation and of a visionary in the field of beauty. His name was Horst Rechelbacher, and his [...]
