Is SPAM A Tradition At Your 4th July Picnic?

Video from Prairie Public

Hormel Girls, jobs for women veterans of World War II and to promote Hormel products Note: Of the more than 140,000 women who served in the Women's Army Corps during World War II, about 6,500 of them were Black. Due to segregation, they were not represented with the  Hormel Girls.

The Minneapolis Star, Jul 1937

Country In Turmoil: Independence Day
Still recovering from WWII, which ended on 2 September 1945, SPAM was touted for that Independence Day, 4th of July, picnic. 

The Plain Dealer, Ohio,  2 Jul 1947

The addition of SPAM to potato salad gave some green light to ruining potato salad.

Was this practice encouraged by SPAM lovers?

 

I hear, have not tasted, but have seen on social media, that some add "raisins" to potato salad. 

Trademark: May 1937

The Indianapolis News, 27 May 1937

What Does SPAM Stand for?
Jun 1937: First ads were in.Minnesota as a "New Luncheon Meat."  Yet, for some reason, it claims its anniversary as July 5 (1937).

In the Jul 1937 newspaper, it suggests Spam, was perhaps SPecial  hAM. Yeah, that could be a
stretch.

23 Jul 1937, The Albert Lea Tribune, MN

Other's have nicked amed it by ingredients"

 Shoulder of Pork, American Meat 

or 

 Specialty Processed American Meat

Why is it Great for 4th of July Day?

Well, if you ask me, it's not good for consumption. Mother brought it home once, maybe twice, to try these delicious (NOT) recipes originally posted in the Post Bulletin, Minnesota, 31 Jul 1937. Perhaps she was convinced that this is what "Smart Women" did. 

In a family of six, it was rejected 100%, with the loudest "NO VOTE" being Mother's. That was the 1960s, too early for Nancy Reagan's "Just SAY NO campaign." 

For more reading: 
How Spam Went from Canned Necessity to American Icon, Smithsonian Magazine.

May your Independence Day Celebrations be Safe, Full of Fun, and very QUIET fireworks!

Kathleen Bramdt