Charles Cretors of Lebanon, Ohio, founder of C. Cretors & Company in Illinois, almost single-handedly kicked off the United States’ popcorn craze with his automated popper and peanut roaster patented in 1893. Powered by a steam engine, and more effective than preceding competitive models, it provided the kind of consistent quality hand roasting could not, while keeping prepared goods at an even temperature. A confectioner by trade, but also a driven salesman and inspired showman, Cretors astutely designed his popcorn poppers and peanut roasters with the mechanicals on full display to create a spectacle for customers drawn by the lovely smells of delectable snacks. With burgeoning success from the start, he quickly sought ways to mobilize the wares, creating hand-drawn carts easily positioned on sidewalks and at other locales, a great advantage over competing machines of the day. By 1900, larger horsedrawn wagons like the example offered here would help ferry tasty, affordable snacks throughout cities and suburbs with ease and efficiency. Cretors vending wagons were painted in bright colors and lettered in gold leaf, with polished nickel trim, beveled-edge glass, and signage comprised of beveled-edge mirrors with reverse-etched decoration and painted letters.

This impressive horsedrawn Model C Wagon has been beautifully restored to the company’s vibrant livery, complemented by polished metal and beautifully finished wood elements. A retractable striped awning deploys over the service window where Cretor’s Tosty Rosty figurine stands front and center. The wagon features robust solid axles with a transverse full-elliptic leaf-spring front suspension and longitudinal semi-elliptic rear springs. It has been fitted with an electric popcorn popper for high-volume production and ease of operation. The original steam popper accompanies the sale.

An important piece of American history and “pop” culture—no pun intended—this horsedrawn Cretors Model C Wagon would make for a wonderful addition at corporate and civic events or within a historical collection of important steam-powered inventions.