Was Cotton Candy Made By A Dentist
The History of Cotton Candy
Cotton candy, also known as candy floss, is a popular treat loved by people of all ages. It is a type of spun sugar that is usually served on a stick or in a plastic bag. The sweet and fluffy delicacy has been a staple at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks for decades.
But who invented cotton candy, and how did it become so popular? There are many stories and myths surrounding the origins of cotton candy. One of the most popular myths is that cotton candy was invented by a dentist.
The Myth of the Dentist Inventor
According to the myth, a dentist named William Morrison and a confectioner named John C. Wharton invented cotton candy in 1897. The two men supposedly came up with the idea while experimenting with a new machine that spun sugar.
The myth goes on to say that Morrison and Wharton introduced cotton candy to the public at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. The treat was an instant hit, and it quickly became a favorite among fairgoers.
While the story of the dentist inventor is a popular one, it is not entirely true.
The Real Story Behind Cotton Candy
The first known patent for a machine that could spin sugar into thin threads was actually filed by a dentist named Thomas Patton in 1899. However, Patton did not invent cotton candy. In fact, the machine he patented was designed to make dental fillings, not candy.
The real credit for inventing cotton candy goes to two other men: Josef Lascaux and John C. Wharton. Lascaux was a dentist from Louisiana who had a sweet tooth, and Wharton was a candy maker from Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1900, Lascaux and Wharton came up with a machine that could spin sugar into thin threads. They called their invention the "Fairy Floss" machine, and they used it to make cotton candy at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
The Popularity of Cotton Candy
From the moment cotton candy was introduced at the World's Fair, it was a huge success. The sweet treat was a hit with fairgoers, and it quickly became a staple at carnivals, fairs, and amusement parks.
Today, cotton candy is still a popular treat. It comes in a variety of flavors and colors, and it is enjoyed by people all over the world.
In Conclusion
While the myth of the dentist inventor is a popular one, the real story behind cotton candy is equally fascinating. Josef Lascaux and John C. Wharton may not have been dentists, but they were the true inventors of this beloved treat.
Whether you enjoy cotton candy on a stick or in a bag, one thing is certain: this sweet and fluffy delicacy will always be a favorite among food lovers everywhere.