QWhat makes popcorn pop?

AHeat and Pressure. Popcorn kernels contain moisture in their centers. When kernels are heated over a fire, stove, or in a microwave, the moisture turns to steam and builds up pressure. When the pressure gets high enough the kernel then explodes, turning itself inside out. Good popcorn puffs up big and flaky, and overheated popcorn pops up in hard balls. Microwave Popcorn is the best method of popping corn because it heats the kernel from the inside making a stronger explosion and makes more larger, more flaky and tender popped kernels.

QWhat is the difference in popcorn and field corn that is used for hogs and cattle?

AIt is felt that the original corn used by the Indians was popcorn. 3000 year-old ears and kernels have been found in an Arizona cave. These kernels still popped when heated. The Indians also used flint corn which they parched before eating. Field corn (maize) was generally ground and made into a bread-like food. Modern popcorn hybrids are individually developed for special characteristics. Carmel corn requires a large round ball. Gourmet popcorn is usually very small, tender and high in expansion. Ready to eat, butter or cheese flavored popcorn requires a large rugged flake to avoid crumbling in the package.

QWhat brand of popcorn pops the best?

AWe can't say for sure! Set up an experiment with 5 different brands. You might need to try the test more than once as they can vary from box to box. Old popcorn does not pop as well as new popcorn.

QWhat are the unpopped kernels called?

AThey are called Old Maids.

QWho does the restorations?

AEarly on, we had two antiques - the Cretors Model TT truck and the Cretors 1899 No. 1 Wagon restored by Bob Pearson, who is the imminent restorer of Cretors equipment in the United States. We also had some work done on Holcomb & Hoke machines by Roy Arrington of Victorian Casino Antiques in Las Vegas, Nevada. All the other restoration work had been done by Wyandot Museum's own craftsman. Initially it was Joe Clark, a former Wyandot Popcorn plant manager. His work was supplemented by Vic Stover, who was then the maintenance manager at Wyandot. Mr. Haverstock, a retired Central Soya maintenance manager, completed early restorations. Dick Wells and Kathy Lothes did restoration work on the Dunbar wagon from Paul Newman. Currently our highly skilled restorer is Warren Levings, who is retired from Wyandot, Inc. maintenance department. We are never satisfied until they look identical or better than they did when they came off the factory floor. Early antiques were nickel-plated over copper. All of our ten steam engines operate on compressed air for demonstrations.

QWhere is Marion?

AMarion County is centrally located in north central Ohio with easy access from U.S. 23, as well as Ohio 4, 95 and 309.  It is an ideal destination for the small to mid-sized meetings, conventions, reunions or sporting events.  Marion County is an affordable alternative location with world-class amenities, including exceptional restaurants, motels and attractions.

 

QDoes Wyandot Popcorn Museum want to purchase my antique?

ANo, I am sorry, at this time we are not purchasing more machines.
 

QDo you manufacture popcorn?

AWyandot Popcorn Museum does not manufacture popcorn. It is devoted to the restoration of antique popcorn equipment. If you have questions about Wyandot products, please contact Wyandot, Inc.
 

QHow is the Wyandot Popcorn Museum funded?

AInitially, the project was primarily funded by the Wyandot Popcorn Company. It then became a 501.C3 charity. Donations and funding were then expanded. After the move to Heritage Hall, financial support came from a much broader group of sponsors, patrons, and members. Included are many NAC friends and members, C. Cretors & Company, Pearson & Company, CONAGRA, Wyandot, Whirlpool, and other local firms.
 

QWhat is the Popcorn Festival?

AThe Marion Popcorn Festival is the largest popcorn festival in the world annually attracting crowds in excess of 250,000. Having been named one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association, prides itself on having something for everyone. It is held the first weekend after Labor Day.
 

QI have an antique popcorn popper / peanut roaster that I need more information about (make, type, age, and value)

AIn order to be able to research this for them, we need plenty of pictures of the antique (showing name, various angles and serial plate [if still on the machine]). In regards to the value, it is against our policy to offer an estimated valuation. Plus, we are not a licensed appraiser.

 

QI am interested in selling my antique popper/peanut roaster, would the Wyandot Popcorn Museum be interested in purchasing my machine or do you know somebody else who might be interested.

AThe Popcorn Museum is a not for profit organization and no longer purchases antique poppers/peanut roasters. However, if you desire a tax write off, we do accept antiques as a donation. If you prefer to sell your antique, then we recommend listing on eBay or going to a local auction house. Note: Selling these antiques has usually been a tough market with very few people as buyers, so don’t get your hopes up if nobody responds to your ad or offers a low bid.