Discovering the History of Wrigley's Gum: The Connection to a New England Woman's College

When it comes to iconic brands, Wrigley's Gum is a name that is instantly recognizable around the world. But did you know that the first brand of Wrigley's Gum was actually named after a New England woman's college?

The story goes back to the late 19th century, when William Wrigley Jr. was looking for a way to boost sales of his baking powder. He decided to offer free chewing gum as a promotion to entice customers to buy his baking powder. The gum was a hit, and Wrigley soon realized that there was a huge demand for chewing gum.

Wrigley decided to shift his focus to gum manufacturing and in 1891, he founded the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company in Chicago. The first brand of gum that Wrigley introduced was called "Juicy Fruit," which quickly became a bestseller. But it wasn't until 1893 that Wrigley would introduce the brand that would become his most famous - "Wrigley's Spearmint Gum."

So where does the New England woman's college come into play? Well, it turns out that Wrigley's Spearmint Gum was named after a college in Natick, Massachusetts - Wellesley College. The college was known for its beautiful campus and its strong academic programs, and Wrigley wanted to pay homage to the institution by naming his new gum after it.

Wellesley College was founded in 1870 and has a long history of empowering women through education. It is fitting that Wrigley chose to name his gum after this prestigious college, as it symbolizes the spirit of innovation and success that both the college and the Wrigley Company embody.

Today, Wrigley's Gum is still a favorite among consumers of all ages, with a variety of flavors and types to choose from. And every time you chew a piece of Wrigley's gum, you can think back to the New England woman's college that inspired its name.

In conclusion, the first brand of Wrigley's Gum was named after Wellesley College, a historic institution in New England that has played a significant role in the education of women. The connection between the college and the gum serves as a reminder of the importance of education and innovation in our society.

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