Frank Townsend - The Popcorn Man

The Stoughton Courier Hub in 1946 printed an article that was dictated by Frank Townsend describing his history of selling fresh popcorn in downtown Stoughton from about 1908 until he sold the wagon in 1943.  Excerpts below: 

“The popcorn wagon that I used to operate was bought through Pat O'Day who at that time was running a stand on Kronke's corner in Madison.  It was a brand-new Dunbar wagon and I was pretty proud of it, having paid $950.00 for it.  It was ordered in the winter and I opened up for business on March 2, 1908 in Stoughton. 

My first location and my last one was what they now call the K & H. corner.  I moved once across the street on the Shelby Corner.  I was there possibly four to five years and then I moved back to the old stand.  You see I move fast! 

My oldest son, Henry Webster Townsend, was my first helper.  he worked after school and evenings.  he was later in WW I and is long since deceased.  Later my sons, Claire and Verne, helped me; also a numerous school of boys.  They all stuck by me until they graduated.  They were good helpers and are all holding  good jobs today.  I like them all.  

I bought my popcorn from many different firms and individuals, but chiefly from the Baby Rice Co.  During the first World War we were hard hit and I had to buy corn 'catch as catch can.'  I advertised for corn in the Stoughton Courier- Hub.”  

“I always used the best good pure butter, using an average of 75 pounds a week.  I paid from 50 cents to 75 cents a pound for it.  There was not rationing then and no limit as to quantities.  We bought what we wanted and paid for it.  It took money to buy the best popcorn and the best butter but it was what the people wanted.  They were willing to put their money into circulation .  Trade was wonderful.”

“Many of my good old customers are dead and gone.  A panorama of their faces comes before me often--faces I shall never forget.  Among them are the old staff of workers on the Courier- Hub.  I was always sure of their patronage every day and every day.” 

As dictated by Frank Townsend when asked to give an account of his life as popcorn man in Stoughton once retired and living at the Odd Fellows Home in Green Bay.  Originally typed by Miss Gertrude Winbigler, secretary of the Home and reprinted in the Courier Hub.  Frank Townsend died in 1949 at the age of 74.