On Sept. 27, 1911, seven young men gathered together in a small room around a large oak table. Their intentions were to finalize the incorporation of a new business venture called the West Bend Aluminum Company. Little did they know that they were making history.
West Bend's first product was a frying pan. Sauce pans, pudding pans, pie plates and water dippers were added next. By the 1950s company sales exploded; the West Bend brand was sold in every state in the nation and the company employed over 1,000 people at its West Bend location. In 1961, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. To reflect the various materials and product lines, it changed its name to The West Bend Company.
For 100 years now, The West Bend Company has served generations of home cooks, homemakers and food lovers through the development of exceptional small electrics and kitchenware products.
As one of the largest producers of aluminum housewares in the U.S., West Bend played an important role in the development of American consumerism, women's social roles and industrial design. Still rooted in the community in which it flourished for so many years, today's West Bend offers 100 core products in over 10,000 retail outlet locations nationwide.
And what better way to celebrate a centennial than to throw a gigantic birthday bash? On Sunday, Sept. 25, West Bend will celebrate 100 years of community with a free celebration at the Washington County Fair Grounds.
"This is really our way of giving back to the community for all their years of support," says Mia Cheeseman, brand manager for West Bend.
"In addition to the public, we are expecting over 400 former West Bend employees to attend the event, and we'll be acknowledging their service to the company and the community, as well."
Festival goers can:
- Partake in a free brunch, featuring pancakes and Klement's breakfast links.
- Shop the "Sale of the Century," a high-inventory market offering West Bend and other Focus Products Group items for up to 50 percent off retail price.
- Catch a performance by Downtown Harrison, renowned entertainer and impersonator.
- Take in a family flick and free popcorn at the Stir Crazy popcorn lounge.
- Watch the famous Klement's Sausages race.
- Take a nostalgic walk through the company's past, featuring vintage products and historic photos.
- Attend cooking demonstrations by local chefs from Café Souerette and Imagine restaurants featuring brand new West Bend products.
- Watch the judges determine the champion firehouse as firemen compete for the tastiest chili at the fireman's chili cook-off.
- At 12:30 p.m., witness the official ceremony declaring Sept. 25 "West Bend Day."
- Take a family photo at the West Bend photo booth.
- Partake in a variety of entertainment including BMX bike stunt riding, pony rides and much more.
To commemorate the day and become a part of history, attendees will also be invited to sign a personal message that will be included in the West Bend time capsule. The capsule, a 60-cup commercial coffee urn, will be buried along the west bend of the Milwaukee River at the site of the original West Bend factory.
"Our company has relied on this community for years; we have ties with the people of West Bend and a history that runs deep. This day is as much about them as it is about our company," said Mike Otterman, president of retail division at Focus Products Group, West Bend's parent company.
"We hope everyone will come out to enjoy the wonderful activities we have planned as a small gesture of our gratitude."
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
