Entrepreneurs & Inventors

How Jumbo Joined the Circus

Jumbo the elephant was identified as a possible “get” for the Barnum & Bailey circus in 1882 by a circus scout who found the elephant... continue »

P.T. Barnum’s Early Career

P.T. Barnum is remembered as a circus impresario and a huckster. Both those memories do him a disservice. He had a long and varied career... continue »

Drive-In Movie Theaters

The concept for the first drive-in movie business originated with one man in the late 1920s. Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. came up with the concept... continue »

Jelly Beans: Candy History

Jelly beans in America probably date to the early 19th century. The first known mention of this candy was in a Boston newspaper in 1861.... continue »

Candy Corn–Read Its Story

Candy corn is to Halloween what the candy cane is to Christmas. We may not dream of eating either of them, but each is the... continue »

Howard Johnson: Host of the Highway

Restaurateur Howard Johnson made a name for himself by building a chain of roadside restaurants and motor lodges throughout the country. Johnson emphasized quality control... continue »

Admiral Richard Byrd’s Dog, Igloo

Admiral Richard E. Byrd with Igloo, his Pet Wire Fox Terrier, Portrait, circa 1920's. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty... continue »

Walter Knott: Farmer and Theme Park Pioneer

Walter Knott (1889-1981) is best remembered for creating Knott’s Berry Farm, now a popular amusement park. He deserves to be remembered for many more contributions... continue »

First Rearview Mirror Marketed as “Cop-spotter”

The first widely distributed rearview mirror for automobiles was sold as the “Cop-spotter” by a fellow... continue »

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Its Origin

Today Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the star of a popular holiday television special and a live stage show. The song, based on the story,... continue »

X-Ray Shoe-Fitting Machine

The X-ray shoe-fitting machine (fluoroscope) was a common fixture in American shoe stores during the 1930s-50s. In ads, the machines were touted as a new... continue »

The Service Dog and the Professor

When chemistry students at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, enter their classroom with big smiles, one might presume their faces represent their enthusiasm for... continue »

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