A Tale of Two Surviving Dunbar Popcorn Wagons
Below is a very detailed history of the wagons pictured above. The truck mounted wagon is now owned by Bruce and Darlene Anderson. Click on red text for more information.
Dunbar & Co. 2652-58 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL, completed a large sale to Leonard Rudolph Nichelsen of Princeton, IL on March 22nd 1929. Specifically, Mr. L. R. Nichelsen, a longtime customer of Dunbar & Co., who had previously owned a Model 45 and Model 950, was trading in his 1920 Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon (Dunbar Serial No. 3249). (Click here for the Dunbar receipt for the purchase of this wagon.) This Dunbar Model 4 Auto was mounted on a 1920 Model TT Truck. (The reference of auto in the name Model 4 Auto is due to the fact that these first popcorn trucks were built on Model T automobiles that were converted to trucks by using the Smith Form-A-Truck conversion axle.) Mr. L .R. Nichelsen was allowed $1300 for the trade-in of his 1920 Dunbar Model 4 Auto. He purchased a brand-new Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon (Dunbar Serial No. 3311) mounted on the new for 1929 Chevrolet truck chassis. The 1929 Chevrolet truck had been significantly improved by the use of a newly introduced six cylinder engine. Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's Dunbar Model 4 Auto was the first Dunbar wagon built on this new 6 cylinder Chevrolet Truck chassis. This new Model 4 Auto was first described in the 1929 catalog. However, the picture of the TT Ford Truck Model 4 Auto was used in this catalog as the new for 1929 Chevrolet Model 4 had not been built yet. A picture, labeled C above, of this new and improved Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon was taken outside the factory for use in the Dunbar catalogs.We have never seen or heard of a 1930 through 1933 Catalog, so we believe no new catalogs were produced during the depths of the great depression. Therefore, the first use of this picture was in the 1934 Catalog. (Click here to see the Model 4 page in the 1934 Dunbar Catalog.) (Click here for the 1929 Dunbar Price List.) The new popcorn wagon was delivered on May 20, 1929 for a total purchase price of $3150 minus an allowance on the 1920 Dunbar Model 4 Auto of $1300 plus an extra charge of $21 for a chrome plated radiator shell, cowl band and cowl lamps (refer to order No. 16,843). (Click here to see the original 1929 Dunbar and Co Receipt.) Special order requests included: 1) Aluminum drawer handles, 2) The cash register shelf should be placed lower, 3) One light in the glass showcase, 4) Place a clutch on the engine gear, 5) Place an apron from the popper case to the back glass, and 6) Make the butter roll catches brass (not nickel plated). The amount owed the Dunbar & Co was $1871. This balance was to be paid using a chattel mortgage installment note, with the following monthly payments: 5 - $100 payments, 6 - $50 payments, 7 - $100 payments, 7 - $50 payments and a final payment of $21. The payments were correlated with the best months for selling popcorn and peanuts. (Click here to see an original Dunbar and Co Chattel Mortgage Form.)
Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's 1929 Dunbar Model 4 Auto and steam engine were stamped with the Dunbar Serial No. 3311. This number can be found stamped on the red etched aluminum Dunbar identification plates on the outside right and left hand white oak wood side boards of the popcorn wagon, as well as being stamped on the steam chest cover, the bottom of the steam chest, and the bottom of the steam engine cylinder. The serial number of the Chevrolet truck was 21LQ 3386. (An error was made at the Dunbar factory when the number was read off the Chevrolet cowl tags in the poor lighting of the era.) An 8 was substituted for a 6 when the sales order form was recorded.) The 21 refers to the Janesville, Wisconsin Chevrolet truck assembly plant. The LQ refers to this being a 1 1/2 ton utility truck chassis. The No. 3386 will fall between the February 1st 1929 production number of 1891 and the March 1st 1929 production number of 3935. The probable production date for this vehicle would be February 23rd, 1929. This correlates well with the Chevrolet Harrison radiator production code which is B 29. The B refers to February and the 29 refers to 1929. The Chevrolet motor serial number is T191927 and the casting number is 885501 B 69. The B refers to February and 9 refers to 1929. As was customarily done, this Dunbar Model 4 Auto was personalized by two crystalline art glass signs (glue chipped) centered just under the polished brass rail roof line on the right and left sides which read L. R. Nichelsen.
Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's son Richard and his wife Henrietta were interviewed in 1988. Mr. Richard Nichelsen, of Princeton, IL, could recall going out at age 7 to sell popcorn with his father. He remembers taking a nap in the glass showcase on some of these outings. With the advent of the Great Depression in October of 1929 business suffered. The automobile was returned to the Dunbar factory on October 9th 1935. The balance due on the Model 4 Auto was $1270.98. In the prior seven years, only $600.02 had been paid on this account. Contrast this with his paying off a like machine in the early 1920's. Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's account was closed by a reverse installment note by Dunbar & Co. Sales were so depressed by the Great Depression that the wagon remained for resale at the factory for the next two years. A story has been passed down that during this two-year period this wagon was used for one season at the Chicago Bears games in Chicago. It is also said, that the wagon pervaded more than popcorn. It's bootlegging activities during prohibition resulted in its return to Dunbar & Co. On August 5th, 1937, Marvel R. and Marjorie Roberts of 625 West Warren, Luverne, Minnesota purchased this Model 4 Auto.
Mr. M. R. Roberts was born in 1911 and Mrs. Marjorie Roberts was born Nov. 21st 1912. They were married on November 27th 1931. In 1989 Mrs. Marjorie Vogt, (wife of the deceased Marvel R. Roberts, who lived at 1026 North Elm Luverne, Minnesota 56156, was interviewed on the past history of this popcorn wagon. Mr. M. R. Roberts’ parents were J. Alden Roberts (born 1880) and Leonal (McDowell) Roberts (born 1884) of Rock Rapids, Iowa. Mr. M. R. Roberts was 9 years old when his parents purchased, on April 7th 1919, a new Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon (order No. 7514). It was either mounted on a Model T with a Smith Form-A-Truck conversion axle or the first Model 4 Auto mounted on a Ford TT Truck chassis. (Click here for 1919 Dunbar & Co Receipt. Note the "Tinners, Painters, and Wood Workers" hours and costs listed on this receipt.) Mr. and Mrs. J. Alden Roberts were truly pioneers in ownership of self-propelled popcorn vending machines as this was approximately the eighth "Auto" machine that Dunbar & Co had ever produced. Its purchase price was a staggering $2585. In the 14th Census of the United States (1920) Mr. J. Alden Roberts is listed as an auctioneer and popcorn vendor. Mrs. Leonal Roberts is listed as an assistant popcorn vendor. Obviously, this Dunbar Model 4 Auto was used at many auctions in the Rock Rapids area until 1928. They had a profound influence on their son Mr. M. R. Roberts by stressing how dry-popped popcorn was better for three reasons. First, the unseasoned popcorn could be stored over a long period of time on the steam table and remained fresh. Secondly, it could be seasoned as it was sold. Finally, "THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO POP POPCORN AND THAT IS DRY!"
Mrs. Marjorie Roberts Vogt recalls their first trip to Chicago, to pick up their new Dunbar Model 1200 wagon, see picture A, (Dunbar Serial No. 3336) in 1933. This was a horse-drawn wagon converted to being pulled behind a vehicle. Dunbar & Co marketed the wagon at $1200 and it was purchased for $900 as this wagon had been used as a demonstrator. Marvel, Marjorie and Marvel's parents traveled to Chicago in a truck carrying potatoes. They sold the potatoes in Lincoln, IL as they traveled to Chicago. Marjorie recalls sitting between her father-in-law's legs on this trip to Chicago as the truck only had a bench seat for three. This was a round trip of approximately 1200 miles! When they arrived, she vividly remembers the Dunbar factory windows were barred and netted to protect the glass from being broken by depression era rioters and young children throwing rocks. This wagon was then carefully loaded on the Robert's truck at the factory and the wheels removed for the trip back to Luverne, Minnesota.
The Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon was picked up on a second trip on August 5th 1937. This wagon was driven by L. J. Lange, a Dunbar & Co employee, to Dubuque, Iowa where he was met by Mr. M. R. Roberts. It was delivered "cash on delivery" and paid for by a cashier's check #5568 drawn on the Luverne National Bank, Luverne, Minnesota for $1250. (Click here to see the original 1937 Dunbar and Co Receipt. Note that the machine came with the small inside wires in the popper cylinders. The small wires were used for white popcorn and the large wires were used for yellow popcorn. The small and large refer to the wire grid spacing and not the wire diameter.) It is interesting to note that the purchase price was approximately equal to the amount due on this wagon when it was returned to the Dunbar & Co factory in 1935. They then drove the Dunbar Model 4 Auto back to Luverne, Minnesota. You will observe the two wagons together in picture A. In pictures B and C you will see that by 1937 the Model 4 Auto's original Chevrolet factory Bluebell Blue color has been painted yellow and it is missing the L. R. Nichelsen crystalline art glass signs. New signs with the wording "M. R .Roberts" were installed shortly after this picture was taken and presently are still in existence.
Over the next two years, the popcorn wagon was used in and around Luverne, Minnesota. Specific events included: the Rock County Fair, the Fourth of July Celebrations, band concerts, horse sales, an occasional farm sale, downtown Luverne during the Christmas season, and downtown Luverne every week night during the summer. Occasionally, it would be necessary to use an electric heater to stay warm. Japanese Hulless Popcorn (white popcorn) seasoned with real butter was sold in white three-quarter pound bags for a nickel. Dandelion butter coloring was used to give the butter a more intense color. Fresh roasted jumbo peanuts were sold for a nickel in brown 1/4-pound bags, which were twirled to seal in the freshness. Baby Ruth and Hershey candy bars were also sold for a nickel. A good afternoon's work would bring in about 4 to 5 dollars. The Roberts paid the City of Luverne $35 a year for a space on the Main Street. The wagon had electric lights and therefore an extension cord to Dr. Brown's office was strung overhead.
According to Mrs. Marjorie Roberts Vogt, Jolly Time Popcorn was used and it was purchased in 100 pound bags by the pickup load in Sioux City, Iowa and occasionally popcorn was bought from the Spencer Popcorn Company in Spencer, Iowa. Usually, two pickup loads of popcorn would be sold in the summer. Jumbo peanuts were also bought in 100 pound bags at a coffeehouse and the Nash-Finch Grocery Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The peanuts were sold unsalted. It was important to stop roasting peanuts just as they turned a light golden brown. Many times, the jumbo peanuts were prepared beforehand to keep up with the demand and to avoid burning them. The ratio between popcorn and jumbo peanuts sold was about 50:1.
In the summer of 1938 Janice Ross (born May 29th 1916), was hired to run the popcorn wagon in Luverne, Minnesota. Janice Ross married Eilert Peterson of Hardwick, Minnesota on November 29, 1938 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While dancing with Marvel Roberts at her wedding, a deal was struck to purchase the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon for $1700. The $1700 was borrowed from her in-laws and they thought she was crazy to pay so much. This was a $450 profit on the sale of this wagon for Mr. M. R. Roberts. Mrs. Marjorie Vogt (Roberts) stated that they had become too busy with Mr. M. R. Robert’s carpentry, their popcorn business and their children to continue running two wagons. In 1941, the Roberts found themselves in California due to the outbreak of World War II. Mr. Roberts was working in the shipyards and they sold their Model 1200 to Mr. Robert's parents. Eventually, the Roberts moved back to Luverne where they repurchased the Model 1200. Subsequently, they again sold this Model 1200 Wagon. Through a series of sales, this Dunbar Model 1200 Wagon was eventually purchased by Roger and Shirley Wood of Farmington, Minnesota. This wagon was totally disassembled and stacked in the back of an old semi-truck trailer when purchased. It was painstakingly restored as it was reassembled with only the help of a few pictures taken when the wagon was first disassembled. It has been put back into service under the name of Woody's Wagons.
For the next 46 years Janice Peterson based her popcorn wagon business out of her home in Worthington, Minnesota. (Click here for 1965 Daily Globe article on Mrs. Peterson) She would sell popcorn, peanuts, pop and candy out of the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon and paid off most of the purchase price in the first year of operation by selling popcorn at a nickel per bag. Eilert Peterson kept the popcorn wagon patched up and running. Her son, Duane Peterson, spent many hours helping his mother sell popcorn out of the popcorn wagon. " (Click here to read an article from the Worthington Senior High School undated publication "Sodbusters".) Janice had two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Jacobs of Rushmore, Minnesota and Mrs. Thelma Spielmann of Worthington, Minnesota. They also helped on occasion running the popcorn wagon and were interviewed. Roasted peanuts sales were discontinued in the 1960s as humidity made it too difficult to keep the jumbo peanuts fresh. Candy was displayed for sale in the beveled glass showcase and included: String Licorice, SweetTarts, Candy Necklaces, Fisher Sunflower Seeds, suckers, caramels, Wrigley's Chewing Gum, Nut Goodies and Walnut Crush Candy. Pop in the can and caramel corn were sold when available. Mrs. Peterson made delicious caramel corn by using her own carmel corn recipe. Mrs. Peterson had a carmel corn kitchen set up in the basement of her home. She would pop up extra popcorn durning her sales hours downtown Worthington. She would then return home with this popcorn to make carmel corn. Initially, the popcorn wagon was located across from the old Grande Theatre on 10th Street. In later years, it was located on Second Avenue at the location of the Norwest Bank of Worthington. The popcorn wagon was a common site at the King Turkey Day celebration, the Chautauqua Band Concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, the Downtown area of Worthington, Minnesota on weeknights, horse shows and the Nobles County Fair. She proudly referred to the Nobles County Fair, held in September, as her "fall harvest". Janice Peterson, affectionately called "The Old Popcorn Lady", died in 1985. The popcorn wagon was put up for public auction on September 21st 1985 at Janice Peterson's estate sale in Worthington, Minnesota.
The auction started in a light drizzle and in all 5 people bid on the popcorn wagon. Roger Wood, John Olson, an unknown person from Georgia, Bruce Anderson and Darlene Anderson bid on the popcorn wagon. Darlene Anderson won the bid at $23,500. The caramel corn equipment was also purchased for $440. Docs' Popcorn Company was established in 1985. In the weeks following the auction, Church Street Station of Orlando, FL, contacted Docs’ Popcorn Company with an offer to purchase the popcorn wagon. The offer was declined but a visit was made to Church Street Station the next spring. During the first two years of ownership, Docs’ Popcorn Company operated the popcorn wagon at various Worthington events. These events included: King Turkey Day, the Nobles County Fair, the Chautauqua Band Concerts, the Worthington's Art in the Park, the Fourth of July, the Bedford Company picnic as well as the Town & Country Days at Jackson, Minnesota.
An agonizing struggle was undertaken in the summer of 1987 to keep the popcorn wagon eligible for a newly enacted vending permit requirement in the city of Worthington, Minnesota. In 1987 the popcorn wagon was granted the designation of a historic landmark in Worthington in response to wide spread public criticism of its exclusion from major Worthington public celebrations and activities. The newly created historical permit would allow the Dunbar Model 4 Auto to be used in all of Worthington's parks open to vending. In 1987 the popcorn wagon was retired from service so its complete restoration could begin.
Bruce and Darlene then spent the next three decades researching the history of Dunbar & Co. Dunbar parts and Chevrolet truck parts were also researched, searched for and purchased over the next 30 years. In the years to come the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon will be restored to its original glory. All aspects of the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn wagon is a lifetime’s work in progress!
Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's 1929 Dunbar Model 4 Auto and steam engine were stamped with the Dunbar Serial No. 3311. This number can be found stamped on the red etched aluminum Dunbar identification plates on the outside right and left hand white oak wood side boards of the popcorn wagon, as well as being stamped on the steam chest cover, the bottom of the steam chest, and the bottom of the steam engine cylinder. The serial number of the Chevrolet truck was 21LQ 3386. (An error was made at the Dunbar factory when the number was read off the Chevrolet cowl tags in the poor lighting of the era.) An 8 was substituted for a 6 when the sales order form was recorded.) The 21 refers to the Janesville, Wisconsin Chevrolet truck assembly plant. The LQ refers to this being a 1 1/2 ton utility truck chassis. The No. 3386 will fall between the February 1st 1929 production number of 1891 and the March 1st 1929 production number of 3935. The probable production date for this vehicle would be February 23rd, 1929. This correlates well with the Chevrolet Harrison radiator production code which is B 29. The B refers to February and the 29 refers to 1929. The Chevrolet motor serial number is T191927 and the casting number is 885501 B 69. The B refers to February and 9 refers to 1929. As was customarily done, this Dunbar Model 4 Auto was personalized by two crystalline art glass signs (glue chipped) centered just under the polished brass rail roof line on the right and left sides which read L. R. Nichelsen.
Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's son Richard and his wife Henrietta were interviewed in 1988. Mr. Richard Nichelsen, of Princeton, IL, could recall going out at age 7 to sell popcorn with his father. He remembers taking a nap in the glass showcase on some of these outings. With the advent of the Great Depression in October of 1929 business suffered. The automobile was returned to the Dunbar factory on October 9th 1935. The balance due on the Model 4 Auto was $1270.98. In the prior seven years, only $600.02 had been paid on this account. Contrast this with his paying off a like machine in the early 1920's. Mr. L. R. Nichelsen's account was closed by a reverse installment note by Dunbar & Co. Sales were so depressed by the Great Depression that the wagon remained for resale at the factory for the next two years. A story has been passed down that during this two-year period this wagon was used for one season at the Chicago Bears games in Chicago. It is also said, that the wagon pervaded more than popcorn. It's bootlegging activities during prohibition resulted in its return to Dunbar & Co. On August 5th, 1937, Marvel R. and Marjorie Roberts of 625 West Warren, Luverne, Minnesota purchased this Model 4 Auto.
Mr. M. R. Roberts was born in 1911 and Mrs. Marjorie Roberts was born Nov. 21st 1912. They were married on November 27th 1931. In 1989 Mrs. Marjorie Vogt, (wife of the deceased Marvel R. Roberts, who lived at 1026 North Elm Luverne, Minnesota 56156, was interviewed on the past history of this popcorn wagon. Mr. M. R. Roberts’ parents were J. Alden Roberts (born 1880) and Leonal (McDowell) Roberts (born 1884) of Rock Rapids, Iowa. Mr. M. R. Roberts was 9 years old when his parents purchased, on April 7th 1919, a new Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon (order No. 7514). It was either mounted on a Model T with a Smith Form-A-Truck conversion axle or the first Model 4 Auto mounted on a Ford TT Truck chassis. (Click here for 1919 Dunbar & Co Receipt. Note the "Tinners, Painters, and Wood Workers" hours and costs listed on this receipt.) Mr. and Mrs. J. Alden Roberts were truly pioneers in ownership of self-propelled popcorn vending machines as this was approximately the eighth "Auto" machine that Dunbar & Co had ever produced. Its purchase price was a staggering $2585. In the 14th Census of the United States (1920) Mr. J. Alden Roberts is listed as an auctioneer and popcorn vendor. Mrs. Leonal Roberts is listed as an assistant popcorn vendor. Obviously, this Dunbar Model 4 Auto was used at many auctions in the Rock Rapids area until 1928. They had a profound influence on their son Mr. M. R. Roberts by stressing how dry-popped popcorn was better for three reasons. First, the unseasoned popcorn could be stored over a long period of time on the steam table and remained fresh. Secondly, it could be seasoned as it was sold. Finally, "THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO POP POPCORN AND THAT IS DRY!"
Mrs. Marjorie Roberts Vogt recalls their first trip to Chicago, to pick up their new Dunbar Model 1200 wagon, see picture A, (Dunbar Serial No. 3336) in 1933. This was a horse-drawn wagon converted to being pulled behind a vehicle. Dunbar & Co marketed the wagon at $1200 and it was purchased for $900 as this wagon had been used as a demonstrator. Marvel, Marjorie and Marvel's parents traveled to Chicago in a truck carrying potatoes. They sold the potatoes in Lincoln, IL as they traveled to Chicago. Marjorie recalls sitting between her father-in-law's legs on this trip to Chicago as the truck only had a bench seat for three. This was a round trip of approximately 1200 miles! When they arrived, she vividly remembers the Dunbar factory windows were barred and netted to protect the glass from being broken by depression era rioters and young children throwing rocks. This wagon was then carefully loaded on the Robert's truck at the factory and the wheels removed for the trip back to Luverne, Minnesota.
The Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon was picked up on a second trip on August 5th 1937. This wagon was driven by L. J. Lange, a Dunbar & Co employee, to Dubuque, Iowa where he was met by Mr. M. R. Roberts. It was delivered "cash on delivery" and paid for by a cashier's check #5568 drawn on the Luverne National Bank, Luverne, Minnesota for $1250. (Click here to see the original 1937 Dunbar and Co Receipt. Note that the machine came with the small inside wires in the popper cylinders. The small wires were used for white popcorn and the large wires were used for yellow popcorn. The small and large refer to the wire grid spacing and not the wire diameter.) It is interesting to note that the purchase price was approximately equal to the amount due on this wagon when it was returned to the Dunbar & Co factory in 1935. They then drove the Dunbar Model 4 Auto back to Luverne, Minnesota. You will observe the two wagons together in picture A. In pictures B and C you will see that by 1937 the Model 4 Auto's original Chevrolet factory Bluebell Blue color has been painted yellow and it is missing the L. R. Nichelsen crystalline art glass signs. New signs with the wording "M. R .Roberts" were installed shortly after this picture was taken and presently are still in existence.
Over the next two years, the popcorn wagon was used in and around Luverne, Minnesota. Specific events included: the Rock County Fair, the Fourth of July Celebrations, band concerts, horse sales, an occasional farm sale, downtown Luverne during the Christmas season, and downtown Luverne every week night during the summer. Occasionally, it would be necessary to use an electric heater to stay warm. Japanese Hulless Popcorn (white popcorn) seasoned with real butter was sold in white three-quarter pound bags for a nickel. Dandelion butter coloring was used to give the butter a more intense color. Fresh roasted jumbo peanuts were sold for a nickel in brown 1/4-pound bags, which were twirled to seal in the freshness. Baby Ruth and Hershey candy bars were also sold for a nickel. A good afternoon's work would bring in about 4 to 5 dollars. The Roberts paid the City of Luverne $35 a year for a space on the Main Street. The wagon had electric lights and therefore an extension cord to Dr. Brown's office was strung overhead.
According to Mrs. Marjorie Roberts Vogt, Jolly Time Popcorn was used and it was purchased in 100 pound bags by the pickup load in Sioux City, Iowa and occasionally popcorn was bought from the Spencer Popcorn Company in Spencer, Iowa. Usually, two pickup loads of popcorn would be sold in the summer. Jumbo peanuts were also bought in 100 pound bags at a coffeehouse and the Nash-Finch Grocery Company in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The peanuts were sold unsalted. It was important to stop roasting peanuts just as they turned a light golden brown. Many times, the jumbo peanuts were prepared beforehand to keep up with the demand and to avoid burning them. The ratio between popcorn and jumbo peanuts sold was about 50:1.
In the summer of 1938 Janice Ross (born May 29th 1916), was hired to run the popcorn wagon in Luverne, Minnesota. Janice Ross married Eilert Peterson of Hardwick, Minnesota on November 29, 1938 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While dancing with Marvel Roberts at her wedding, a deal was struck to purchase the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon for $1700. The $1700 was borrowed from her in-laws and they thought she was crazy to pay so much. This was a $450 profit on the sale of this wagon for Mr. M. R. Roberts. Mrs. Marjorie Vogt (Roberts) stated that they had become too busy with Mr. M. R. Robert’s carpentry, their popcorn business and their children to continue running two wagons. In 1941, the Roberts found themselves in California due to the outbreak of World War II. Mr. Roberts was working in the shipyards and they sold their Model 1200 to Mr. Robert's parents. Eventually, the Roberts moved back to Luverne where they repurchased the Model 1200. Subsequently, they again sold this Model 1200 Wagon. Through a series of sales, this Dunbar Model 1200 Wagon was eventually purchased by Roger and Shirley Wood of Farmington, Minnesota. This wagon was totally disassembled and stacked in the back of an old semi-truck trailer when purchased. It was painstakingly restored as it was reassembled with only the help of a few pictures taken when the wagon was first disassembled. It has been put back into service under the name of Woody's Wagons.
For the next 46 years Janice Peterson based her popcorn wagon business out of her home in Worthington, Minnesota. (Click here for 1965 Daily Globe article on Mrs. Peterson) She would sell popcorn, peanuts, pop and candy out of the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon and paid off most of the purchase price in the first year of operation by selling popcorn at a nickel per bag. Eilert Peterson kept the popcorn wagon patched up and running. Her son, Duane Peterson, spent many hours helping his mother sell popcorn out of the popcorn wagon. " (Click here to read an article from the Worthington Senior High School undated publication "Sodbusters".) Janice had two sisters, Mrs. Mildred Jacobs of Rushmore, Minnesota and Mrs. Thelma Spielmann of Worthington, Minnesota. They also helped on occasion running the popcorn wagon and were interviewed. Roasted peanuts sales were discontinued in the 1960s as humidity made it too difficult to keep the jumbo peanuts fresh. Candy was displayed for sale in the beveled glass showcase and included: String Licorice, SweetTarts, Candy Necklaces, Fisher Sunflower Seeds, suckers, caramels, Wrigley's Chewing Gum, Nut Goodies and Walnut Crush Candy. Pop in the can and caramel corn were sold when available. Mrs. Peterson made delicious caramel corn by using her own carmel corn recipe. Mrs. Peterson had a carmel corn kitchen set up in the basement of her home. She would pop up extra popcorn durning her sales hours downtown Worthington. She would then return home with this popcorn to make carmel corn. Initially, the popcorn wagon was located across from the old Grande Theatre on 10th Street. In later years, it was located on Second Avenue at the location of the Norwest Bank of Worthington. The popcorn wagon was a common site at the King Turkey Day celebration, the Chautauqua Band Concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, the Downtown area of Worthington, Minnesota on weeknights, horse shows and the Nobles County Fair. She proudly referred to the Nobles County Fair, held in September, as her "fall harvest". Janice Peterson, affectionately called "The Old Popcorn Lady", died in 1985. The popcorn wagon was put up for public auction on September 21st 1985 at Janice Peterson's estate sale in Worthington, Minnesota.
The auction started in a light drizzle and in all 5 people bid on the popcorn wagon. Roger Wood, John Olson, an unknown person from Georgia, Bruce Anderson and Darlene Anderson bid on the popcorn wagon. Darlene Anderson won the bid at $23,500. The caramel corn equipment was also purchased for $440. Docs' Popcorn Company was established in 1985. In the weeks following the auction, Church Street Station of Orlando, FL, contacted Docs’ Popcorn Company with an offer to purchase the popcorn wagon. The offer was declined but a visit was made to Church Street Station the next spring. During the first two years of ownership, Docs’ Popcorn Company operated the popcorn wagon at various Worthington events. These events included: King Turkey Day, the Nobles County Fair, the Chautauqua Band Concerts, the Worthington's Art in the Park, the Fourth of July, the Bedford Company picnic as well as the Town & Country Days at Jackson, Minnesota.
An agonizing struggle was undertaken in the summer of 1987 to keep the popcorn wagon eligible for a newly enacted vending permit requirement in the city of Worthington, Minnesota. In 1987 the popcorn wagon was granted the designation of a historic landmark in Worthington in response to wide spread public criticism of its exclusion from major Worthington public celebrations and activities. The newly created historical permit would allow the Dunbar Model 4 Auto to be used in all of Worthington's parks open to vending. In 1987 the popcorn wagon was retired from service so its complete restoration could begin.
Bruce and Darlene then spent the next three decades researching the history of Dunbar & Co. Dunbar parts and Chevrolet truck parts were also researched, searched for and purchased over the next 30 years. In the years to come the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn Wagon will be restored to its original glory. All aspects of the Dunbar Model 4 Auto Popcorn wagon is a lifetime’s work in progress!