

New competitors brought new changes to the world of cotton candy. Competitors were only allowed to move into the market in 1921, almost 25 years after the first invention of cotton candy. Because of Morrison and Wharton’s patent, “fairy floss” really didn’t change much in the early 1900s: if you made or enjoyed cotton candy, you had to do it using an official machine from Morrison and Wharton. Due to patent law, other people wanting to capitalize on the success of “fairy floss” would have to wait until Morrison and Wharton’s patent ran out or buy a machine directly from the two original inventors. When Morrison and Wharton invented their new cotton candy machine, they immediately filed for patent protection of the device. How Has Cotton Candy Evolved Over the Years? People wanting to make the treat themselves could purchase a hand-made machine directly from the “Electric Candy Company”-the corporation that Morrison and Wharton started in order to bring “fairy floss” to the masses. With an updated, cheaper price of 5 to 10 cents a box, “fairy floss” had taken America by storm. Later on, they began to market both the machine and the candy in newspapers such as the New York Times. Louis World Fair, Morrison and Wharton continued their business selling cotton candy to friends and clients in their native Tennessee.

That would be worth just over half a million dollars in today’s economy! Not bad for only working eight months, right?Īfter selling cotton candy at the St. Morrison and Wharton made just over $17,000 from their foray into the world of confectionary.

The treat was so popular that, by the end of the fair, over 68,000 boxes of cotton candy were sold. Morrison and Wharton sold boxes of cotton candy for a quarter each to fair-goers. Over 20 million people visited the fair during its run from April to December, and to Morrison and Wharton’s delight, many of the fair-goers were intrigued by the sugary treat known then as “fairy floss.” It had its official opening on April 30th and boasted many different attractions including a Ferris wheel and a circus. The fair was meant to be the event of the century. Finally, in 1904, Morrison and Wharton became entrepreneurs when they debuted their new sugary treat at the St. It would take Morrison and Wharton seven years to share their new product with the general public. Together, the duo created a machine that spun heated sugar through a screen, creating the floss-like texture that we all know and love. Cotton candy has been putting smiles on people’s faces since the late 1800s and has, over 100 years after its invention, become a staple in American culture.Ĭotton candy as we know it was first created in 1897 when a dentist named William Morrison joined forces with a confectioner by the name of John C. Cotton candy is a beloved treat found all over America at most state and county fairs, but this article will introduce you to the history of cotton candy. It has a special place in our hearts because eating it often brings us back to childhood memories of good times and nostalgia. Over the past 120 years, cotton candy has grown from a small town treat into a global phenomenon.
