31 January 2014

Last Day Local: The Cereal Bowl of America

CEREAL BOWL OF AMERICA

Transcription:  This is Battle Creek, where the leading producers of ready-to-eat cereals are located.  Early attempts to process grains into appetizing new foods for Sanitarium guests revolutionized the eating habits of people everywhere.  Made in Battle Creek was the magic phrase used by over 40 cereal manufacturers here in the early 1900’s.  Millions the world over enjoy the benefits and conveniences of packaged breakfast foods today.  Cereals from “Foodtown, U.S.A.” have made Battle Creek one of the best known cities of its size in the world.

The above historical marker can be found on the corner of Capital Avenue SW and Hamblin Avenue E, in Mill Race Park in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Many people know of Battle Creek from boxes of Kellogg's cereal, but did you know it was once home to over 40 cereal manufacturers?  The invention of Post Postum and Kellogg's Corn Flakes turned Battle Creek into a boom town in the 1900's.  The above Michigan Historical Marker represents this period in time.  Currently, Battle Creek is home to Kellogg's World Headquarters, Kellogg's, Post, and Ralston manufacturing plants.

(This blog post is to celebrate the history of Battle Creek, Michigan, my hometown for the past 25 years.  I try to post one article a month, on the last day of the month, on the heritage and history of Battle Creek, The Cereal City!)


2 comments:

  1. Just wanted to let you know that I'm enjoying your series on the Cereal City...I have some family history there and lived there for a couple of years.
    -Mary B.

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  2. Thank you for your kind words. Battle Creek is full of history. I go to the local history section of our library quite often if there is anything I could look up for you I would be happy to do it.

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