Waffles! Waffles! Waffles! 🧇🧇🧇
The following link provides the history of the Belgian Waffle at the 1962 Seattle World Fair. This article gives insight to what exactly the waffle is, who brought it and where it came from, as well as showcases the significant role the waffle had at the fair.
https://historylink.org/File/10092
The Belgian Waffles played a vital role at the Seattle World Fair, becoming the most popular food item there. It was the first time the Belgian Waffle had been introduced to America…and the Americans ate it up! The love of the food became so popular that it made newspapers and was featured in the movie “It Happened at the World’s Fair” featuring Elvis Presley.
The fluffy treat was topped with whipped cream and strawberries, however not syrup unless requested. Throughout the time of the fair, over half a million waffles were sold. People loved the Belgian Waffles so much, they worried how they were going to eat them after the World Fair ended. The owner of the waffle stands, Walter Claymen, decided to open a franchise to Smitty’s Pancake House after the fair closed, further allowing people to always have access to their new favorite food.
This all shows the significance of the waffle and its involvement in American culture and history; furthermore showing the importance of the Seattle World Fair.
Something interesting about this article is how it mentions that Belgian Waffles were introduced at the Seattle World Fair in 1962, but also gained a lot of popularity at the New York World Fair in 1964. So much so, that many people believe that the waffle originated in America in New York rather than in Seattle.
In this article, it tells a different story of the Belgian Waffle and its origins in America…claiming the waffles were introduced at the 1964 New York World Fair by MariePaule Vermersch. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2609436/She-sold-Belgian-waffles-1964-Worlds-Fair.html
Many of the aspects of the waffle were described similarly as the previous article. The owners of the fair stands were from the same place and served the waffles similarly. However, Vermersh said she would never produce a waffle mix because her waffles require fresh ingredients – while Claymen partnered with another company to continue serving the waffles.
This sparks the question: If the waffles were so prominent to the Seattle World Fair in 1962, how can some regard the origins to be from the New York World Fair?
This differentiation in the waffle’s beginnings can serve as a microcosm for the quality of communication during this time in America. Something very popular and prominent in Seattle couldn’t make its way across the country to New York?
(Also, the picture of me and my friend is us at the Texas State Fair! Thought that was a fitting addition haha!)
