Sansone
POPCORN WAGON
1919 Creator& Co. Popcorn Wagon
Our Creator & Co. popcorn wagon is a truly unique piece of American and Champaign Champaign County History. The wagon has been delighting children and adults in the Champaign-Urbana community for more than 100 years.
This magnificent one-of-a-kind popcorn wagon was owned by Henry Sansone. The wagon was originally horse-drawn; however, around 1921, Mr. Sansone mounted the wagon on a Model T Ford chassis. In 1940, the Model T engine and chassis gave out, and the popcorn wagon was mounted on the chassis of a 1940 Chevrolet Super Deluxe convertible. The car had been damaged in shipment and was sold to Henry by Sullivan Chevrolet for a discount. This car gives the wagon its beautiful swooping fenders and hood that you see today.
Mr. Sansone continued popping corn and selling ice cream and sodas at various locations in Champaign, such as at movie theaters or on Neil Street in front of Kresge’s 5 and 10 Cent Store for more than 40 years with his wife Lucille (Boots) until 1974. He passed away in June 1976. Shortly before his death, the wagon was sold to Joan Macomber in 1974, who popped corn on campus, especially Sixth Street and outside Memorial Stadium on U of I football weekends.
On November 7, 1977, the truck was purchased by the Champaign County Historical Museum with the help of the City of Champaign and local donors, where it remains in operation at various community events.
Since its original purchase, the truck has undergone a series of restorations. In 1982, the unsafe steam popper was replaced with an electric one made by the original Creator Company. After replacing the popper, the Champaign -Urbana Mass Transit District donated three years of time to fully restore the worn-out truck and give the wagon a new 1967 Chevrolet engine, transmission, and rear axle. They also gave it new power steering and brakes.
Today, the museum continues to take the wagon to special events around Champaign-Urbana. The wagon is a living tribute to the Sansone family and one of the museums most cherished pieces of our collection.
History of the Sansone Popcorn Wagon
Photograph of the Sansone popcorn wagon prior to conversion. Photo courtesy of Toni Lemmon.
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Photo courtesy of Toni Lemmon.
Sansones with Dizzy Dean. July 17, 1943. Photo courtesy of Toni Lemmon.
Newspaper description of legal challanged between Henry Sansone and the City of Champaign in 1954. Photo courtesy of Toni Lemmon.
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Corner of Park Street and Neil Street in Downtown Champaign.
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Popcorn Wagon at Church and Neil Streets in Downtown Champaign.
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Neil Street in Downtown Champaign.
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon
Photo Courtesy of Toni Lemmon