Sioux City’s Jolly Time museum offers look into local pop corn history

Popcorn? Or pop corn? Hmmmm…For the folks at Jolly Time in Sioux City, Iowa, they have preferred pop corn since launching the company in 1914. Today, Jolly Time ranks among the top brands nationally.

Jolly Time has long been a favorite of people, so the great-granddaughter of founder Cloid Smith thought it would be a great idea to share the company’s history with customers. Robbie Rohlena and her daughter, BJ, opened the Koated Kernel Shoppe, and included a small museum, set aside from the store’s products.

Visitors are greeted at the entrance with posters of early print advertisements, some featuring celebrities such as Bob Hope and the Nelsons – Ozzie and Harriett.

Cloid’s desk anchors an exhibit featuring copies of old photos and original memorabilia. I’ve found that looking at a company’s history up close offers an interesting lesson.

Pop corn’s history is interesting. Based on a Google search, it appears that the first corn pollen is about 80,000 years old. Flashing forward several centuries, popcorn production is primarily located in the United States. Nebraska is the world’s leader, producing more than 25 percent of the supply. Indiana is a close second.

Jolly Time (whose parent company is American Pop Corn Company) patented the drying and cleaning process. Volumization guarantees freshness. The company used a tin can originally to keep the pop corn fresh.

In 1927, the company introduced the pop corn pail. Designed to keep the corn fresh, it supposedly led to the creation of the beer can.

During World War II, Jolly Time added a pennant to its containers. As the years passed, pop corn containers evolved, including jars. Then, during the 1970s, microwave ovens started popping up in homes around the world. Thus, the need to create a quicker way to pop corn was necessary, so Jolly Time added microwavable packets.

The history of Jolly Time Pop Corn is an interesting one. Checking out some of the items on display led to an enjoyable visit.

Since the museum is located inside the Koated Kernel Shoppe, we knew we weren’t leaving without some popcorn treats. So, we checked out the delicious varieties on the shelves. We picked up a few flavors, including vanilla and the Midwest mix (caramel and cheddar cheese mix).

Koated Kernel (not a part of the Jolly Time brand) got its start at Sioux City area farmers markets. Since its start, the company now makes 20 flavors.

American Pop Corn’s factory is located a couple miles away from the store and warehouse. The company’s leadership has remained with the family for all 102 years.

We recommend visiting the store and museum when in Sioux City.

For more information on the shop and museum, please visit www.jollytime.com, www.koatedkernels.com or www.visitsiouxcity.org.