The History of the Kentucky Derby

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The Kentucky Derby is more than just a distinguished horse race. The Kentucky Derby has been held in the United States since 1875, but its origins date back much further. Unlike most famous sporting events, it has been performed every year, virtually unmoved by large scale historical events like the Great Depressions or the World Wars. As a symbol of American culture, the Kentucky Derby has engrained itself in the lives of fans everywhere. Here, we’re delving into the history of the Kentucky Derby.

How the Derby Arrived in America

 In 1872, Meriwether Lewis Clark, grandson of the famed William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, visited England and attended the Epson Derby. The Epsom Derby had been around since 1780, and was a well-respected race throughout several European countries. Clark was deeply influenced by the race. Upon returning to the United States, he set out to create one of similar stature on American soil. He was granted the needed land to build a racetrack by his uncles John and Henry Churchill. This stretch of land in Louisville, Kentucky became the first permanent competitive horse racetrack in the United States. A group of dedicated race fans crafted the name Louisville Jockey Club, and it stuck. In May of 1875, the Louisville Jockey Club opened for the first ever Kentucky Derby.

The first race was composed of 15 horses and saw a crowd of 10,000 spectators. The winner, Aristides, crossed the finish line after racing 1.5 miles. It was an unexpected, but exciting turnout for the first Derby. The race is often also referred to as “The Run for the Roses,” because of the blanket of roses that is draped over the winner at the finish line. The Derby has also come to be known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or sometimes “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” in reference to how long it takes to complete the race.

Meriwether Lewis Clark, the creator of the Kentucky Derby. Reprinted from Lost Bluegrass: History of a Vanishing Landscape by Ronnie Dreistadt, courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum (pg. 36, The History Press, 2011).

The Kentucky Derby Throughout the Years

 To qualify for the Kentucky Derby is no easy accomplishment. There are a series of prep races that take place throughout the year leading up to the Derby. The top four finishers from each of those races receives a set amount of points. Of those finishers, the 20 with the most points qualify for the Derby.

During the race’s early years, African American riders largely dominated the scene. However, during the early 20th century, prejudice against these riders meant the jockeys all but vacated the sport. The last African American jockey to win a Kentucky Derby was Jimmy Winkfield in 1901 and 1902. Another profound change came in the late 1800s, when members of the racing community complained that the then-standing 1.5-mile race course was too long. The track was shortened to 1.25 miles, which is where it has remained.

The first radio coverage of the Kentucky Derby took place in 1925. It was followed by the first televised appearance in 1949 in Kentucky, and in 1952 it was televised nationwide. Every year since, the Derby has been televised for fans far and wide. In 1954, the purse, or how much money is divided between the top five finishers, surpassed $100,000. Today, that number reaches three million dollars.

A mint julep, the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby. Reprinted from Spirits & Cocktails of Upstate New York: A History by Don Cazentre, courtesy of the author (pg. 19, The History Press, 2017).


Like most beloved sporting events, the Kentucky Derby has its fair share of traditions. The favorite drink of attendees is the mint julep – a drink composed of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup. Burgoo, a stew of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables, is a popular meal. There are two seating areas for attendees to choose from. The infield is general admission, but due to the jumbotron installed in 2014, little of the race can be seen from these seats. “Millionaire’s Row” refers to the costly box seats that are usually reserved for the wealthy and well-connected. Women here often wear the same lavish floppy hats that were worn when the Derby was in its earliest years. And every year, the University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band plays My Old Kentucky Home written by Stephen Foster. The song has been played at the race since 1921 and it’s a favorite of spectators.

Since its founding in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has become the biggest professional horse race in the world. Each year, millions of people tune in to watch for their favored racer. In 2017, 158,070 watched the race. TwinSpires, a betting platform for the race, announced that $32.8 million was handled in bets during the 2018 race.

The Derby’s Famous Racers

 Every year the Triple Crown is the most sought after of victories. It consists of three consecutive races for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, and is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in the horse racing world. To win, the horse must win the Kentucky Derby, win the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, and finally win the Belmont Stakes three weeks after that. It’s a grueling challenge, and few in the history of horse racing have made Triple Crown history. Thirteen horses have won the Triple Crown: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).

Secretariat, the most famous horse in Kentucky Derby racing history. Reprinted from Kentucky’s Famous Racehorses by Patricia L. Thompson, courtesy of the author (pg. 32, Arcadia Publishing, 2010).

Even those largely foreign to the Kentucky Derby race will recognize the name of Secretariat. Widely considered to be the greatest racehorse in history, Secretariat broke many records in his 16-month racing career. He won all but one of his 21 lifetime races, and was one of the first horses to beat the 2-minute mark, winning the Derby. Due to his large size and reddish-brown color, Secretariat became known as “Big Red.” The year that Secretariat took the Triple Crown, he set two world records. During the Belmont Stakes, he completed the one-and-a-half-mile race in 2:24 seconds, and beat the second places finisher by 31 lengths.

In 2015, a racehorse named American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. He was the first horse to win the title after a 37-year draught. During the Belmont Stakes, his time was the second fastest in history, coming in behind that of Secretariat. American Pharoah was beloved by racing fans. They rejoiced when he won the 2015 Triple Crown. He was even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and pictured in Vogue.

For the 2019 race, 20 horses will step up to the gates with their jockeys after countless months of training. Each bears the same goal: to win the prized Triple Crown and make Kentucky Derby history. Since the first race in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has never missed a year, and shows no signs of slowing down. Encapsulating classic southern culture in its traditional food, drink, and clothing, the Kentucky Derby is a hallmark of American history.

The History of Circuses in America

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For over 250 years, the circus has captured imaginations through gravity-defying and incredible stunts. When we think of the circus, we imagine towering red and white striped tents crowded with cheering spectators and performers. While circuses have changed dramatically over the years, they still invite the same pleasure and excitement for their attendees as they did in the mid-1700s. Thanks to a handful of small family-owned circuses, there has been a resurgence of the circus since the 1980s. Here, we’re looking into the history of the circuses in America.

 The First American Circus

The circus was already a popular phenomenon throughout England when it finally arrived in America. Between 1800 and 1820, the Circus of Pepin and Breschard toured down the East Coast of the United States, from Montreal, Canada to Havana, Cuba. This offered Americans a flavor of the circus, and prompted widespread interest in such performances. Victor Pepin of New York was the first person in the country to build a successful circus. This circus bore all the same resemblances as those put on in England, including impressive stunt actors and towering “Big Tops,” containing hundreds of eager spectators.

After the strong reception of Pepin’s work, Joshuah Purdy Brown stepped onto the scene with Purdy, Welch, & Company. Brown purchased a small elephant that he showcased around parts of upstate New York, receiving large and enthusiastic crowds. He soon began adding other exotic animals to his lineup. He took it a step further when he started training them in various circus performances. In 1835, a group of 135 farmers united to form the Zoological Institute, founding the country’s first circus industry. This approach was a radical shift from how circuses were performed in Europe – most were owned by small families. In America, it was destined to become a thriving industry.

The Circus Becomes Famous

In 1841, P. T. Barnum purchased Scudder’s American Museum in New York City. This run-down, circus-like exhibit featured odd figures and items collected over several years. He renamed the museum Barnum’s American Museum and began offering tours to curious New Yorkers. By 1871, Barnum’s success had caught the attention of William Cameron Coup and Dan Castello. The three founded the first traveling circus known as “P.T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum.”

P.T. Barnum and J.A. Bailey. Reprinted from Lost Circuses of Ohio by Conrade C. Hinds, courtesy of the Library of Congress (pg. 22, The History Press, 2019).


Together, Barnum, Coup, and Castello revolutionized the circus in America. Barnum introduced freak shows to the American public. Coup founded the first multi-ring circus, and was the first person to use trains to move circus members between performance locations. For a decade, Barnum toured the entirety of the United States, bringing his circus performances and freak shows to people in countless major cities. For years, Barnum dreamed of touring his circus abroad. It was a goal he worked toward until his death in 1891.

After Barnum’s death, his circus merged with that of ringmaster James Anthony Bailey. With this merger came the opportunity to travel abroad. From 1897 to 1902, Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth toured Europe. The troupe’s use of trains for transportation and big top tents left an impression on European circus owners. American circus owners had combined traditional circus acts with animals and the additional freak shows to build a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional performance. European circuses followed suit and by the turn of the century, most circuses worldwide supported these features.

In 1919, Barnum & Bailey’s Greatest Show on Earth was bought by the Ringling Bros. Circus. By the mid-1900s, big top tents were virtually gone. Instead, circus performances were held in permanent venues like concert halls and sports stadiums. In 1967, Ringling Bros. was purchased by Irvin Feld, and was incorporated into the larger company of Feld Entertainment. When Irvin died in 1984, his son Kenneth took over the operation.

In the latter years of the 20th century, this version of the circus saw a dramatic drop in attendance. Due to protests regarding animal rights and increasing costs, the Ringling Brothers had their last performance in 2017, before permanently closing their doors.

One of the Ringling Brothers train cars. Reprinted from Peru: Circus Capital of the World by Kreig A. Adkins (pg. 74, Arcadia Publishing, 2009).


While this more traditional approach to the circus has long since passed, in the recent few decades a new version has arrived. As technology improved, circuses were able to pull off more risky stunts. As arenas got bigger, speech became a less prominent role and instead costume, lights, and sound were used to build a story. The largest of these new circuses is Cirque du Soliel, which launched in Canada in 1990, but relocated to Las Vegas in 1993.

The Circus in the Modern Day

Today, most circuses take place on a stage, and have the added benefits of modern day’s technologies in lighting, infrastructure, and design. The overall aesthetic of the circus is focused on costumes, original music, and lighting to relate a narrative or thematic concept to the audience. Animals are no longer used due to laws forbidding their role in entertainment performances. Circuses today tend to take a more character-driven approach, telling stories through song, dance, lighting, and costumes.

This version of the circus gained popularity in the 1970s in Australia. It crossed the Pacific and quickly engrossed American circus goers. The Royal Lichtenstein Circus, self-proclaimed as the world’s smallest circus, was a troupe created in San Jose, California, who toured between 1971 and 1993. The Pickle Family Circus in San Francisco, California was founded in 1971. and played an influential role in reintroducing the art of the circus to spectators. They also impacted the creation of Cirque du Soleil that quickly became a worldwide event. Some of the most famous Cirque du Soleil performances include “O,” “Ka,” “Mystere,” “Love,” and “Zummanity”

Most will claim that the interweaving of classic circus traditions with new modern techniques invited a newfound interest in the circus among today’s audience. For Cirque de Soleil, this has meant enormous success, exceeding $810 million every year. Today, the troupe has over 19 shows in 271 cities on six continents.

Despite the evolution of the circus in the last two centuries, it remains an exciting and captivating experience for spectators. Cirque du Soliel performances are of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas, and garner massive crowds in cities around the globe. Improved technology has allowed circuses to reach for shocking new heights, forever capturing the imaginations of their audiences.

Shiver Me Timbers: 5 Famous American Pirates

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We’re all familiar with the swashbuckling tales of Blackbeard and his crew. These harrowing stories of ships and their captains seizing the seas and looting crews that cross their path have captured our imaginations for decades. But these tales only cover half the story. In reality, piracy was born of a time of desperation for seamen – when work was scarce and money was short. Life aboard a ship was grueling at best, and these pirates often lived dreadfully short lives. It was daunting work. Today, we remember these pirates by their epic legacies passed down through generations. Here are five of the most famous pirates and how they left their mark on history.

Charles Gibbs

Charles Gibbs was one of final pirates of the Caribbean to be executed by the United States. Gibbs was born in Newport, Rhode Island, and started into privateering at a young age. He eventually assumed the captain role of the Maria and became known for his harsh treatment of prisoners. It was passed down in legend that he once ordered for the arms and legs to be cut from a captain he had captured. In another instance, he ordered for a crew to be burned alive on their ship. After a crash off the coast of Long Island, Gibbs and who remained of his crew came ashore. They had only been on dry land a few days when they were captured and taken as prisoners to New York City, where they were tried and convicted.


Rachel Wall

An artist’s rendition of pirate Rachel Wall. Reprinted from Forgotten Tales of Massachusetts by Peter F. Stevens (pg. 149, The History Press, 2009).

Rachel Wall is largely considered the first American-born woman to become a pirate. She came to piracy through her husband, who rescued her from an attack on the docks near her hometown of Carlisle. The two married, and Rachel became a servant while her husband spent his time on the high seas. After several months on the ocean, her husband returned with five other men and their lovers. He urged her to join them on their ship. Rachel obliged and they formed a crew of pirates.

Rachel served as the bait for most of their raids. After heavy Northeastern storms, she would stand on the ship’s deck and cry for help at passing ships. Once they stopped, the rest of her crew emerged, murdered, and robbed those on board the lured vessel. In all, the crew successfully captured 12 boats, killed 24 sailors, and stole $6,000 in cash. She was finally captured after attempting to steal a bonnet from a woman on the street and cut out her tongue. She was tried, convicted, and hung for robbery.

Samuel Burgess

Samuel Burgess started aboard the legendary William Kidd’s crew in 1690. It was here that he learned the ropes of captaining a ship. After three years on board, Burgess made his way to New York City, where he took a job helping a wealthy merchant. He made several trips to Madagascar, selling goods to pirates in exchange for gold and slaves. By 1699, Burgess has command of his own ship, the Margaret. He sailed to Cape Town, South Africa, where his ship was seized by the East India Trading Company along with all its treasure and slaves.

Burgess was tried in Cape Town but pardoned of his crimes. He later became the first mate of the Neptune. When the ship wrecked off the coast during a storm, Burgess assisted John Halsey in taking over the crew and ship. But when Captain Halsey died in 1708, Burgess lost his position and remained in Madagascar. He died suddenly of poison after a dispute with a local chief about trading prices. 


Stede Bonnet

Stede Bonnet, the “Gentleman Pirate.” Reprinted from Charleston and the Golden Age of Piracy by Christopher Byrd Downey, courtesy of A General History of Pirates (pg. 54, The History Press, 2013).

Born in Barbados, Stede Bonnet was often referred to as the “gentleman pirate” in reference to his wealthy land-owning life before becoming a pirate. He inherited his family’s estate after his father’s death in 1694, and married in 1701. Bonnet took up piracy in 1717 after several years of marital problems, despite having no prior sailing experience. He bought a ship, named it Revenge, and set out to the high seas.

For a short time, Bonnet joined the notorious Blackbeard’s crew aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge. By 1718, he had some command over the ship. Together Bonnet and Blackbeard looted countless ships sailing to and from the Caribbean. In August 1718, Bonnet tied his ship at Cape River Fear for repairs. Here, he was attacked by a naval expedition concocted by the South Carolina governor. Bonnet and his men were arrested and brought to trial. The pirate was convicted and hanged in December of that year.

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine became widely known for his participation in the raiding of several Spanish settlements throughout the late 17th century. He was commissioned by Jamaica’s governor to attack and rob other pirates. By 1693, he had joined up with a handful of other privateers to raid the Spanish town of St. Augustine, Florida. Paine led a crew of 60 men while commanding an 8-gun barque, a type of ship, named the Pearl.

For many years, Paine sailed on French ships. However, upon returning to Rhode Island, he learned he was wanted for breaking the peace treaty between Spain and England. Paine managed to evade capture, and eventually entered semi-retirement, working in the cargo and resailing for pirates, including the notorious Captain William Kidd.

Choosing to live a life of crime on the open seas was not for the faint of heart. Pirates lived treacherous and often brief lives. Their tales of triumph and woe inspired some of the greatest piracy legends to date.

7 Famous American Explorers

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The discovery of America came from the work of courageous people who made the trek across the Atlantic Ocean to see what lie in wait on the other side. After the establishment of the country, this spirit of curiosity still thrummed strong in many Americans. From the most famous expeditions like Lewis and Clark, to the vast underwater explorations of today’s Sylvia Earle, these are the names and stories of people who shaped America through their dedication to discovering new places and seeking truth.


Robert Peary

A 1959 stamp commemorating Peary’s discovery of the North Pole. Reprinted from Around Cresson and the Alleghenies by Sr. Anne Frances Pulling (pg. 78, Arcadia Publishing, 1997).

American explorer Robert Peary’s crowning achievement was being the first person to set foot on the geographic North Pole. Peary was born in Pennsylvania, but spent most of his younger years in Portland, Maine. Just after college, he joined the National Geodetic Survey. Following this, he enlisted in the navy, and was made chief surveying officer of the Nicaragua Canal, a project that never saw completion. His first try at crossing the frigid Arctic was in 1886 when he made an unsuccessful attempt at leading a dog sled across Greenland. A few years later, he tried again and was met with success. For his exploration of the North Pole, Peary received countless awards from geographical societies.

Sylvia Earle

Scientist and explorer of the sea, Sylvia Earle has been one of the greatest voices in fighting to protect the planet’s oceans. She was the first female chief scientist of the U.S. Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and is the founder of Mission Blue, a global effort to create safe spaces for aquatic plants and animals. In 1992, Earle became among the first people to venture into the deep sea using equipment she designed called Deep Ocean Engineering. She was the leader is pushing into previously uncharted underwater territory, crossing boundaries and making some incredible discoveries.


John Wesley Powell

Major John Wesley Powell. Reprinted from Page and Lake Powell by Jane E. Ward, Kimberly Keisling and the Powell Museum Archives, courtesy of the Powell Museum Archives (pg. 13, Arcadia Publishing, 2014).

John Wesley Powell is most famous for the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, a three-month trek down the Green and Colorado Rivers and the first passage through the Grand Canyon. He was an advocate for advanced settlement in the West, and founded policies that helped him understand the newly acquired terrain. He became a champion for the preservation of these natural resources. After his death, Powell was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, paying tribute to his vast contributions to America.


Meriwether Lewis

Meriwether Lewis. Reprinted from Downtown Vancouver by Pat Jollota (pg. 13, Arcadia Publishing, 2004).

Meriwether Lewis is most well-known for his role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Along with Clark, Lewis explored the stretch of land acquired by the United States Government through the Louisiana Purchase. His mission was to establish relations with the native population, and trace a route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Northwest and Oregon Country. After this explorative work, Lewis was named Governor of Upper Louisiana in 1806 by President Thomas Jefferso


George Comer

Captain George Comer. Reprinted from East Haddam by Russell C. Shaddox, courtesy of the Mystic Seaport Museum (pg. 79, Arcadia Publishing, 2019).

During the late 1800s, George Comer became the expert on the Hudson Bay area. He was well-acquainted with the Inuit people and a key figure in the local whaling movement. Comer was a polar explorer, whaler, cartographer, writer, and photographer. During his lifetime, he made three expeditions to Antarctica, and 14 to the Arctic. Even after his retirement to Connecticut, he remained close with his Inuit friends, sending gifts and letters, and working for the Connecticut State Legislature until his death in 1937.  

Tania Aebi

Imagine sailing around the entire globe. Now, image doing it alone, in a 26-foot sailboat, and in your early twenties. This is exactly what Tania Aebi did that earned her a place among the ranks of most important American explorers. She became the first American woman and youngest person overall to circumnavigate the planet. Prior to this, her only sailing experience had been a six-month journey across the Atlantic with her father. She set out to prove that a woman could make such an expedition on her own, and prove it she did.


William Clark

William Clark. Reprinted from Downtown Vancouver by Pat Jollota (pg. 13, Arcadia Publishing, 2004).

William Clark might be considered one of the most famous American explorers. He grew up in Kentucky, and served a short time in the militia for the United States Army. Due to poor health, he resigned from the military, but soon after was recruited by Meriwether Lewis for a massive expedition across the land recently acquired in the Louisiana Purchase. Clark’s central role during the expedition was crafting maps, managing expedition supplies, and hunting for game. When he died, the entire city of St. Louis gathered to mourn his passing. A 35-foot tall obelisk was erected to mark his grave.

Throughout history, explorers have been crucial to garnering a deeper understanding of our environment. Whether that be venturing in entirely unknown territory in the early 1800s or diving into the depths of the ocean in modern day, there are countless corners of the planet yet to been fully uncovered. Scientists and explorers are making new discoveries every day that continue to shape how we experience life on Earth.

The Most Famous American Folktales

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Historically, folktales are stories born from both truth and myth. These tales are built from years of retelling and passed down through generations, reflecting the beliefs and culture of their time. Many have supernatural elements and focus on a particular action or seek to convey a lesson to their listeners. Today’s surviving folktales merge fantasy and truth to create outlandish, but nevertheless inspiring, tales. Here are six of the most famous American folktales, and the true history behind them.


Princess Scargo

Scargo Tower, an observation tower near Scargo Lake. Reprinted from Legends and Lore of Cape Cod by Robin Smith-Johnson, courtesy of Gregory R. Johnson (pg. 90, The History Press, 2016).

Rooted in Native American lore is the tale of Princess Scargo. In the most popular version, a man from a neighboring village brought four fish to Princess Scargo before leaving for war. She dug a small pond to keep her fish in. One morning, she woke to find the pond had dried up, and three of the four fish had died. As she cried and cried, her tears kept the last fish alive until her father could create a lake for the fish to live in. This lake became Scargo Lake on Cape Cod, and here the fish lived out a long and happy life. In the end of this version, the man from the neighboring village also returns from war.


Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett. Reprinted from Limestone by James Brooks (pg. 9, Arcadia Publishing, 2006).

Davy Crockett’s story is part legend, part fact. He was widely known as the “King of the Wild Frontier,” for having a reputation as a skilled hunter and storyteller. Crockett’s name became a legend after he died in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. He was heralded as a Texan savior and inspired many to fight for Texas independence. But perhaps many know him best by the Davy Crockett Song, or “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” which premiered in the mid-1900s. The song detailed the frontiersman’s life in outlandish detail. According to the song, he was born on a mountaintop and wrestled a goat. Neither were true, but they helped build the legend surrounding Crockett. From children’s books to Disney’s own Frontierland, Crockett has become a beloved hero for generations of Americans, both young and old.


Johnny Appleseed

A statue of Johnny Appleseed. Reprinted from Central Ohio Legends & Lore by James A. Willis, courtesy of the author (pg. 41, The History Press, 2017).

Johnny Chapman, known in lore as Johnny Appleseed, became famous when he started planting large amounts of apple trees in most of Pennsylvania. His reputation spread throughout the country because of his kind and generous approach toward conservation, and the symbolic importance he put on apples. Today, Johnny Appleseed is remembered on Johnny Appleseed Day with the Johnny Appleseed Festival in Leominster, along with art depicting the man walking barefoot in an apple orchard tending to the trees.


Maid of the Mist

A view of Niagara Falls. Reprinted from Legends, Lore and Secrets of Western New York by Lorna MacDonald Czarnota, courtesy of Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (pg. 34, The History Press, 2009).

 Before the popular “Maid of the Mist” Tours many take in New York, the “Maid of the Mist” was a beloved Iroquois legend and part of Niagara Falls history. A young tribeswoman Lelawala was heartbroken by the death of her husband. After weeks of enduring the heartache, she climbed into her canoe, and paddled towards the edge of Niagara Falls, where currents quickly swept her over. But before she could reach the bottom, Heno, the god of thunder, swept in, rescuing Lelawala and nursing her back to health. Lelawala fell in love with Heno’s son, married him, and lived with the family behind the waterfall. However, her new mythical status meant she could never see her family and only reunited with them once to warn of a giant snake who threatened to poison the village’s water supply. When the snake arrived in the village, he found it empty. Lelawala saved her people and carried out her life beneath the Falls.


Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox

A carving of Paul Bunyan. Reprinted from Paul Bunyan in Michigan: Yooper Logging, Lore & Legends by Jon C. Stott, courtesy of the author (pg. 26, The History Press, 2015).

The tales of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe emerged from loggers in North America. These tales were commonly told in the bunkhouses of loggers, and usually contained strange creatures, freak weather, and superhuman abilities. Each version was so widespread that it’s impossible to pinpoint which variant was the original. Some tales claim that Bunyan was taller than a mountain, while others say his and Babe’s footprints created the 10,000 lakes of Minnesota. Together, Bunyan and Babe are two of the most famous folk heroes of American culture.

America’s legends and lore have helped shape our history. These imaginative tales contain pieces of our parents, our grandparents, and our great-great parents, along with the lessons they were taught and the beliefs the world at the time reflected. Even today, there are countless versions of every folktale, and they continue to change with each narration. With purposes ranging from explaining the unknown, to helping Americans through difficult times, America’s most popular folktales will forever be engrained in the spirit of the nation.

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Collecting PEZ

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While PEZ is today known as an American icon, it began as a simple breath mint in Austria. Today, thousands of people worldwide collect PEZ dispensers and merchandise, and there is an international community for buying, trading, and selling all things PEZ. To give you an introduction to PEZ collecting, we’ve gathered some of our best tips, lingo, and history for the aspiring PEZ collector.

Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (The History Press, 2016).
Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (The History Press, 2016).

A Brief History of the PEZ Candy

Invented in Austria by Eduard Haas III in the 1920s, the original PEZ candy was not actually a candy at all, but a peppermint breath mint. While today PEZ is marketed as a children’s toy, it was originally introduced by Haas as an alternative to smoking, as he was an ardent non-smoker. The original PEZ created by Haas also were not held in the iconic character dispensers, but instead were in either a tin (similar to today’s Altoids), or a plain, rectangular dispenser with a flip top.

PEZ mints were popular throughout Austria at the time of their creation, leading Haas to attempt to further capitalize on this success by attempting to expand into the American market. Unfortunately, Haas’ first few years on the US market did not go as well as planned, and by 1954 it looked as if Haas’ newest venture would fail. However, Haas was not one to give up: The original PEZ breath mint was quickly reformulated to include fruit flavors, and the company added the now iconic character heads to their dispensers in 1955. With this rebranding, Haas marketed PEZ as a candy and children’s toy – a decision that would prove genius, as PEZ quickly took off in the American market. Today, PEZ is as well known for its dispensers as its candy, with over 1500 unique dispensers in the company’s collection, and an avid community of collectors with a language and culture all their own.

Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 47, The History Press, 2016).
Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 47, The History Press, 2016).

The PEZ Lingo

There are a few words within the PEZ community that you should know before jumping in. Here are some of the basic terms you might hear from an experienced PEZ collector:

  • Stem: The stem is the rectangular bottom portion of a PEZ dispenser, which holds the PEZ candy. In some cases a dispenser may have a full body stem, which will be a full-featured molded body, rather than the standard rectangular piece.
  • Head: The decorative piece of the dispenser, which usually features a character or public figure.
    Regulars: The first PEZ mint dispensers, which were rectangular-box-shaped dispensers with a simple flip top for dispensing candy.
  • Vintage Dispensers: A dispenser that was most likely produced prior to 1980, vintage PEZ dispensers are identified by their lack of “feet,” but still having a character head.
  • Modern Dispensers: Most likely produced from 1980 to the present, a modern PEZ dispenser can be identified by possessing both a character head and dispenser feet.
  • “Floppy Head” Dispensers: A dispenser whose spring is broken or no longer engaged, causing the character head to open when tipped back. While some people will call any dispenser that opens without being engaged a floppy head dispenser, some top-heavy dispensers will open simply due to physics.
  • Alignment: A term used to describe how easily a dispenser functions. Some older dispensers will not work as precisely as a modern dispenser – this doesn’t mean that it’s a bad dispenser; it just reflects that it may have been manufactured with less care at the time of its creation.
  • Injection Mold Codes (IMC): A code, located on the stem of a dispenser, which indicates which country a stem was produced in. Currently, there are four countries that produce PEZ products, but there are many IMC codes for countries that no longer manufacture PEZ. These codes will typically contain one number to indicate the country or origin, though there are some rarer dispensers produced in Austria that have a dual IMC code.
A disassembled clear 1950s PEZ space gun believed to be one of two examples known to exist. Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 155, The History Press, 2016).
A disassembled clear 1950s PEZ space gun believed to be one of two examples known to exist. Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 155, The History Press, 2016).

The Do’s and Don’ts’ of PEZ Collecting

While ingratiating yourself into the PEZ community can be confusing if you haven’t collected dispensers before, there are some general guidelines that are good to follow. First, you should consider your budget for collecting – how much are you willing to spend? Is there a certain group of dispensers you’d like to focus on? Answering these questions will allow you to not only help focus your collecting, but also shop within your means as you search for dispensers. If you’re brand-new to PEZ collecting, consider building your collection with modern pieces first. In doing so, you’ll be able to build up a considerable collection quickly without breaking the bank. You should also remember that you can collect more than just dispensers! PEZ has vintage advertisements, candy packs, and other licensed products that collectors will often search for. Ad sheets in particular can be incredibly valuable because they were only distributed to people in the PEZ business, like salesman and dealers, rather than being made available to the general public.

There is also a good deal of debate over whether or not you should remove a dispenser from its packaging. In this case, the general rule of thumb is to leave an older dispenser as is. Besides being worth more, the dispenser will also be better preserved if it is left in its original intended packaging. When it comes to more modern dispensers, however, the choice is up to you: Are you going to display your dispenser, or are you looking to trade? While modern dispensers may also be worth more left in their packaging, they can be displayed more easily when opened, so the choice is yours.

Lastly, it is not advisable to buy a PEZ dispenser that has been altered in any way from its original design. While replacing broken parts of a dispenser is often acceptable within the community, the broken part must be replaced with the exact same piece, even down to the IMC on the stem. If there has been any mixing of parts from a different dispenser, its alignment may be negatively affected, and it will therefore be valued less within the community when up for sale.

Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 128, The History Press, 2016).
Reprinted from PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon by Shawn Peterson (pg. 128, The History Press, 2016).

The PEZ Collecting Community

Because PEZ has become such a notable part of American pop culture, there is a large community of American PEZ collectors. However, the community extends internationally, and collectors can be found all over the world. While many of these collectors are casual hobbyists, there are some who have amassed gigantic collections topping 17,000 pieces. Many of these collectors will come together at PEZ conventions held around the country to bond over their shared hobby, and to get a chance to buy or sell their dispensers to other collectors. The biggest of these conventions, Pezamania, has been in operation for nearly 30 years, and is the largest international gathering of PEZ collectors.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of PEZ and its founder, you can also visit the PEZ Visitor Center, which was opened in Orange, Connecticut in 2011. Since its opening, the center has welcomed over 300,000 visitors and counting. Today, members of the PEZ community can also be found widely on the internet, as collectors trade amongst themselves internationally to grow and improve their personal collections.

If you’d like to read more about PEZ history and collecting, check out our book PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon to learn more about the history behind a distinctive American icon.

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