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Clarke Speaker Series: Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands

a collage of a two photos, a woman smiling and holding a fork to a plate of dessert, and man smiling and holding up a ridged donut
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Gail Ofen, Lawrence Technological University  

Jon Milan, Writer and Photographer  

Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind the Brands

IDid you know Vernors is the oldest soft drink in America? The Ritz Cracker was invented in Jackson? Join authors Gail Ofen and Jon Milan as they reveal secrets and surprises from their latest book, Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind the Brands (History Press, 2024). It's full of amazing history, stories, and photos about the Michigan food and drink brands we know and love. 

Sure, Michigan invented ready-to-eat cereal (Kellogg's) and baby food (Gerber). Still, there are many stories most Michiganders don't know, such as Better Made uses Michigan potatoes; Jiffy was the first commercial baking mix in America; and we are the pickle-growing capital of the US.  Join the pair as they “dish” on Michigan pop, chocolate, jams, cookies--and of course, fudge and pasties.  You'll be proud of our state's delicious bounty. 

A reception and book signing in the Clarke will follow this event.  

Contact us at clarke@cmich.edu or 989.774.3864 if you need accommodation.  

Learn more at Clarke.cmich.edu/SpeakerSeries  

Date: -
Time: -
Location: Opperman Auditorium, Park Library
Mt Pleasant, Michigan
Sponsor: Clarke Historical Library
Contact: Clarke Historical Library clarke@cmich.edu (989) 774-3864