Memories

Below is a collection of memories submitted by retirees from the many areas of our company in honor of our 100th Anniversary. Browse through the stories and pictures below and see how many people you recognize or remember!
(Note: The most recent submissions will be added on Page 1.)

Kermit Ficker
St. Louis, MO

"I began my Kellogg career, June 1, 1948 as a sales rep in St. Louis, Mo. My first recollection was calling on retail stores to introduce a product called Corn Soya while also selling new distributions, building window displays, etc. As I recall, the products Kellogg had on the market at that time were: Corn Flakes, Pep, Shredded Wheat, Krumbles, Rice Krispies, 40% Bran Flakes, Raisin Bran, All Bran, Variety Pack, Gro Pup Dog Food (ribbons, meal and pellets).

I have always been proud to be able to say "I helped introduce" such products as Special K, Corn Pops, Frosted Flakes, Sugar Smacks, Cocoa Krispies, Mini Wheats, and Pop-Tarts - all of which have become household staples. Other products we introduced had a short share of fame and glory: Creme Crunch, OK's, Oatnut Bars, Gold Medal Macaroni & Spaghetti, Frostins and Raisins, etc.

Watching the retail trade grow from the Mom and Pop stores to the giant chains we see today often has me looking back at how we introduced new products while never forgetting our "bread and butter established items." Selling new distribution off car, building window and shelf displays with massive display pieces, such as THE BIG OTIS DISPLAY PIECE, THE JIMMY DURANTE DISPLAY PIECE WITH THE BLINKING NOSE, THE TONY SAFARI HUT DISPLAY PIECE AND OTHERS. Window displays - stretching crepe paper and using what referred to us lockends and jumbo boxes sometimes brought much sweat but always a feeling of accomplishment when finished.

I also recall the advent of television advertising when we had a promotion offering the retailer a spot with his name on TV if he purchased X number of cases (WAS A GREAT PROMOTION).

I retired in 1983 after 35 years with the company. I still feel a sense of pride when I am called "THE KELLOG MAN" by many of my friends and others that knew me in the trade. (Also, get called "Uncle Crunchie" by one of my nieces) My personal favorite cereals are Mini Wheats and Frosted Flakes. May our company continue to grow and provide a good living for their proud workers as it has for me."

Jack Kuiper
Spring Lake, MI

"I was a member of the Keebler Soft Batch development team. We had a private office location and a group secretary. At the completion of the project our secretary and I married and have now been wed for 22 years. At our wedding reception we handed out samples of Soft Batch rather than cigars or candy. That name has stayed with us and our email address also reflects the year I became a Keebler elf. I am pleased to now become a member of the Seniork group!"

Donna Kuzma
Marco Island, FL

"My father, Newell Wilbur, started working for the Kellogg Company's powerhouse in the 1930's. I was hired by the Kellogg Company October 11, 1942, and assigned to the K Rations department, loading cheese, canned meat, cigarettes, crackers, gum, and candy onto a tray that was boxed, sealed, and sent overseas to the armed forces.

Meeting my husband to be, Walter Kuzma, in 1942, is my greatest memory. Together we spent a lifetime working for the Kellogg Company, both retiring in 1982. Our closest friendships were with other Kellogg employees, together we played as hard as we worked.

W. K. Kellogg's philosophy of "helping people help themselves" was demonstrated in our wages, benefits earned, and a superior retirement program. Special K is my favorite, it's tasty and nutritional."

Carl Bagwell
Thornton, CO

"I took a job in 1960 as a stationary engineer with Merchants Biscuit Company in Omaha, NE. That plant closed in 1962. I then took a job as an electrician at the Bowman Biscuit Company brand new plant in Denver, Colorado, which later became one of the Keebler Company plants. I was promoted into management in 1968 and worked as a Packaging Equipment Supervisor until my retirement in 1992.

I am grateful to have been a part of such a great company, and such a great family of Keebler personnel. My wife and I enjoy lunches and reunions with retired Keebler friends. We are all aging, and some have passed on, but we treasure all the memories. We are enjoying our retirement years, and appreciate the benefits we still receive from Keebler Company. We are proud to now be a part of the Kellogg family. Ernie the Elf and Tony the Tiger make a good team. We enjoy most of the Keebler and Kellogg products."