Spam Celebrates 70 Year Anniversary!

Happy Birthday Dear 'Spam.'
Happy Birthday ToYou.

Yes you are invited to a party and Spam is the guest of honor. Spam that spicy meat in a can will be 70 years old this month. Spam produced by Hormel has been a part of American culture since 1926 where it was developed as the first canned ham. It was known back then as "Hormel Flavor Sealed Ham." Eleven years later Hormel developed the "1st" canned meat product that needed no refrigeration.

Hormel's new meat product would soon become a part of American history. The canned meat that would become known as Spam consisted of pork shoulder and ham mixture with various spices and was developed by Jay C. Hormel, son of Hormel founder George C. Hormel. Hormel later had a contest that offered a $100 prize for someone who could come up with a clever name for their innovational product. The contest was won and the name Spam was chosen. In 1937 Spam was called "Miracle Meat."

The 1940's heralded what might possibly be known as the 1st singing commercial. The commercial was done on the radio and used the tune of "My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean." The lyrics went like this-
Spam-Spam-Spam-Spam
Hormel's new 'Miracle Meat' in a can.
Tastes fine-
Saves time-
If you want something grand-
Ask for Spam.

Hormel also were sponsors of The George Burns & Gracie Allen's Network Radio Show. The popular radio show included "Spammy the Pig." In the late 1940's and the early 1950's, "The Hormel Girls" performing troupe advertised Spam throughout the nation. They distributed Spam door-to-door and produced a weekly radio show. The famous advertising line was used often, "Cold or Hot Spam Hits the Spot!"

While World War 11 raged, Spam sales soared throughout the United States and in Europe.Spam was used by American troops because it was nutritious and cheap and needed no refrigeration. Here at home Spam was not rationed as were many beef products. Spam soon became a staple of the American diet. Spam's place in American culture had became firmly rooted.