What are the chances that two dentists, of all people, would become the inventors behind one of the sweetest, most nostalgic treats of all time? Cotton candy–that fluffy, sticky, absolutely delicious treat–loved by both kids and adults alike, was invented in 1897 by William Morrison, a dentist, and confectioner John C. Warton.
Cotton candy has a unique history. It made its first appearance to a wide audience at the World s Fair, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1904. This celebratory event, honoring the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, was marked by other firsts in food history: the hot-dog, hamburger, iced tea, peanut butter, waffle-style ice cream cone, Dr. Pepper, and Puffed Wheat cereal all debuted at this event!
Actually called Fairy Floss in 1904, cotton candy became an instant sensation in St. Louis. A total of 68,665 boxes were sold at twenty-five cents each. If you do the math, and account for inflation ($6.00 a box today), this sweet treat brought in $411,990 in revenue! No wonder this confectionery delight has stuck around for years!
Fast forward to 1921, when another dentist by the name of Joseph Lascaux from New Orleans, Louisiana, invented a machine that spun the sugar more efficiently, enabling vendors to produce more candy at a faster rate. Lascaux obtained the patented name “cotton candy” and “fairy floss” disappeared, except for in Australia, where the name still remains today. Other popular names include “candy floss” or “candyfloss”, which is the name the people of New Zealand, South Africa, UK, and Ireland call this sweet treat.
By 1970, new technology in cotton candy production emerged, so that the world could get their fill of yummy cotton clouds. Today, automatic cotton candy machines not only spin the treat, but also package it. This means that it can be mass produced and sold at carnivals, festivals, circuses, and retail stores around the world.
The United States celebrates this sugary snack food with its own day of honor. December 7th of each year has been set aside as National Cotton Candy Day.
Question: Are you a fan of cotton candy? What is your favorite flavor? Please join the discussion.