Respect the SPAM
The Pride of Austin, MN
Just about 2 hours south of Minneapolis, MN, is the small town of Austin, MN. By far, the #1 employer in Austin is Hormel Foods. Hormel Foods packages a wide variety of food products, such as Hormel chili. However, their most celebrated product has to be SPAM. While most of the world fails to give SPAM its proper due, the fine folks of Austin truly respect the SPAM.
SPAM Museum
In order to spread the good word of SPAM, the Hormel folks built the SPAM Museum in downtown Austin. In a recent trip to Minnesota, a Minor Public Official and myself decided to embrace all that is SPAM.
Just prior to the museum visit, we got in the spirit of the mission by having breakfast in Austin. Needless to say, the default breakfast meat is SPAM. I had a fine omelet with a side of SPAM. But, that raises the burning question…What is SPAM?
As we are big time internet influencers, the good Hormel folks showed us the secret SPAM recipe. Basically, its two cuts of pork, some potato starch, salt, water, and a few spices and additives. In fact, the name “SPAM” is the combination of the words “spiced” and “ham.” In 1937, a Hormel employee won $100 for coming up with the name.
SPAM is Patriotism
The best part of the museum was learning about the importance of SPAM to the historic war effort, particularly WWII. SPAM was not only the main staple for the US Troops, it was the also vital to our allies from England, France and Russia. In total, over 133 million cans were supplied to overseas soldiers and civilians between 1940-1945.
Certainly, the shear amount and repetition of eating SPAM led to many nasty comments. However, the importance of SPAM to winning the war was also recognized…
“You never fully realize how delicious and good SPAM really is until you taste it out here in the bottom of a fox-hole.” …unnamed Marine Lietenant
“Without SPAM, we wouldn’t have been able to feed our army” …Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev
Fun Facts and Random Pictures
There are 15 assorted varieties of SPAM. For whatever reason, Hawaii consumes more SPAM than any US state. Annually, Waikiki has a big festival called the SPAM Jam. Furthermore, the south Pacific area seems to consume more SPAM than most regions. The Territory of Guam eats more SPAM per capita than any place on the globe. While learning these fun facts, the good museum folks continuously offer you free SPAM samples.
There is more going on in the SPAM Museum that you want me to write about. There is a more detailed SPAM corporate history, a kids section, and SPAM games of skill. But, most importantly, our most burning question was finally answered…”How many SPAM cans tall are you?”
Wrap It Up
Sure, the bottom line is that this place is a shameless promotion museum. But, it was a fun and interesting visit…not to mention its FREE. The World of Coke is larger and more famous corporate museum in Atlanta. The World of Coke is not as good as the SPAM museum. And, Coke gouges visitors for $25 to hear their propaganda. The good folks of Hormel Food have done the SPAM Museum right. Respect the SPAM. If you are near Austin, MN, stop by for a side of SPAM and a visit to the SPAM museum. Have a wonderful day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed “Respect the SPAM” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Here was another post on a patriotic product… https://travelingwithpt.com/as-americana-as-it-gets/
Plan you SPAM Museum visit… https://www.spam.com/museum
SPAM also goes well with a Ghost Tour. Get your tour here…
https://usghostadventures.com/?ref=ytmxmtg
