'Popped To Perfection'

Popcorn has long been an American icon, an essential snack for movie theaters, sports events, and cozy nights in. Every year, Americans consume an estimated 17 billion quarts of popcorn, and for decades, the farmers of Ulysses, Kan., and nearby areas, were essential players in producing this beloved snack.

The roots of popcorn trace back nearly 6,000 years. Native Americans were first to cultivate and enjoy it, using selective breeding techniques to hybridize maize that would pop when heated. By the time Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, he was intrigued to find popcorn already popular as a food and decoration; native tribes even wore it as adornments in their hair and clothing. From these shores, popcorn began to spread globally, eventually becoming the staple snack we know today.

Popcorn Takes Root In Southwest Kansas

Popcorn's journey to Southwest Kansas began in the late 1950s. By 1963, three farmers were primarily growing the crop: Vere Zimmitt of Ulysses, Ennis Figgins of Manter, and the Ashida Brothers of Johnson. In those early years, Southwest Bean in Ulysses handled the processing and shipping, helping establish popcorn's regional presence.

A turning point came in 1969, when Weaver Popcorn, a major player in the industry from Van Buren, Ind., acquired the Southwest Bean facility. Weaver Popcorn was founded in 1928, by Reverend Ira Weaver and had grown into a renowned name in the popcorn business. The company saw Ulysses as an ideal location due to its central position for distribution and excellent growing conditions.

Early Weaver employees in Ulysses, including Madison Traster, Gene Allen, Margaret Meyer, Herb Metcalf, and Eddie Dieker, helped manage the facility's operations, as production flourished. In the mid-1970s, Tom Keaton arrived as plant manager, overseeing popcorn sourced from across Grant, Stanton, Haskell, Stevens, and Wichita counties in Kansas, as well as some farms in Nebraska. By this time, production had reached an impressive 12 million pounds of popcorn per year.

Ulysses Popcorn Heads to the Big Screen

Despite its lower yield compared to field corn, popcorn's premium price made it a profitable crop. Weaver's Ulysses facility was known for its high-quality standards, as popcorn destined for movie theaters and concession stands had to meet stringent requirements. It was even said that many major events, including the Super Bowl, were stocked with popcorn from Ulysses!

In 1981, Weaver achieved the title of the world's larges popcorn processor and began expanding its facilities back in Indiana. As Weaver continued to grow, it introduced U.S. Popcorn to Japan, though initial quality issues required adjustments to ensure the product met international expectations.

By the mid-1990s, most of Weaver's processing had shifted back to Indiana, with only about 15 percent of production still handled in Ulysses and Argentina. The Ulysses facility continued operating into the late 1990s, until Weaver moved all processing back to Indiana. Eventually, the plant equipment was sold at auction, and the facility was re-purposed by USD214 for storage.

Fun Facts:

Popcorn's Popping Perfection

•Popcorn Science: Each kernel of popcorn contains a small amount of water inside. When heated, the water turns into steam, creating pressure until the kernel "pops" open, transforming into the fluffy treat we know.

•The theater staple: Popcorn's popularity surged during the Great Depression when its low cost made it accessible even in hard times. During WWII, with sugar rationing limiting candy supplies, popcorn became an even more popular snack.

•National Popcorn Day: Celebrated annually on January 19, National Popcorn Day honors this tasty, timeless snack.

The story of Ulysses' popcorn production offers a flavorful slice of Kansas history. Though Weaver eventually shifted processing back to Indiana, the legacy of our regional farmers and processors remains part of America's love affair with popcorn - a testament to the small-town industry that made a national impact.