The Beginning:
A small bake shop owned by Godfrey Keebler opened in 1853 in Philadelphia. Keebler earned a reputation for baking the best cookies and crackers in the area. Other small bakeries opened and flourished and eventually those owners decided to enter into a business federation to take better advantage of prices and transportation.
United Biscuit Company of America:
was formed in 1927 and by 1944 sixteen bakeries were in the federation that went from Philadelphia to Salt Lake City. It was in 1966 that the company took the step of operating under one name and Keebler was the one chosen.
Going West:
It was only as recently as 1983 that distribution of the Keebler products went coast to coast. Keebler is now owned by Kelloggs.
Now the Important Stuff:
Ernie was born in 1968 (created by Robert J. Noel II) to represent the Keebler brand. They live and work in a cozy Hollow tree -- not a cold factory. And although he was born in 1968, Ernie first appearance was in 1970. Other members of the family include: Mrs. Keebler, Ernie's mother; Fast Eddie; Dizzy and Edison Keebler, inventor of the rider mixer for cookie dough.
More Elf Duties:
The elves appear in countless TV commercials, were the first elves in the Drug Awareness Campaign in 1982, and have also appeared in comic books and puppet shows.
Collectibles include:
among other things -- plush dolls, bean bag toys, tins, plastic mugs, food toys, cookie jars, banks, salt & peppers, telephones and nodders.
The Bottom Line:
There is no mistaking a Keebler Elf, everyone knows who they are and that's what makes a good brand icon. If you need a little magic in your life, may I suggest adding a few elves to your collection!
Source:
Tinfax Newsletter
