The Sweet History of Candy Floss How-it Became a Must Have Treat for Events pt2

The History of the Electric Candy Machine Company

At Candy Floss Events, we bring the magic of spun sugar to weddings, parties, and celebrations of all kinds. But did you know that this sugary delight has a fascinating history that dates back over a century? It all started with a dentist (yes, really!) and a groundbreaking invention that would forever change the world of sweets…

Have you read pt1 of this history, read it now https://www.candyflossevents.com/post/the-sweet-history-of-candyfloss-how-it-became-a-must-have-treat-for-events

Vintage ad for "The Wonderful Electric Candy Machine"

A Dentist, a Confectioner, and a Dream

Back in 1897, in Nashville, Tennessee, a dentist named William J. Morrison teamed up with a local confectioner, John C. Wharton. Together, they created something extraordinary—a machine that used centrifugal force to spin melted sugar through tiny holes, forming the fine, fluffy strands we know today as candy floss.

They called it an “electric candy machine”, and in 1899, they patented the device. Their goal? To make spun sugar easier, faster, and more affordable than ever before.

World’s Fair Debut: A Sensation is Born

Their big break came in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair, where Morrison and Wharton introduced their sugary invention under the name “Fairy Floss.” Despite costing 25 cents per box (half the price of admission!), visitors couldn’t get enough. They sold over 68,000 boxes in six months and made more than $17,000—a huge sum at the time.

This incredible success led to the founding of the Electric Candy Machine Company, which began manufacturing and distributing the machines across the country.

W.J Morrison Candy Machine

🏙️ Candy in the Window

After the World’s Fair, the company promoted Fairy Floss through drugstores and newspaper ads. Machines were placed in shop windows, spinning the fluffy treat right in front of customers' eyes. It was a visual delight and a clever marketing strategy that kept people coming back for more.

🔧 From Rattling Machines to Sweet Perfection

The original electric candy machine worked wonders, but it had its quirks—rattling parts, overheating, and breakdowns. In 1921, with the original patent expired, inventors like Josef Lascaux improved the design and rebranded the treat as “cotton candy.”

Then in 1949, Gold Medal Products introduced the first truly reliable version with a spring-loaded base. That design helped shape the modern cotton candy machines used today—including the ones we bring to events all over the North East!

francois diagram drawing of the first candy floss machine

🌍 One Sweet Legacy

Thanks to the Electric Candy Machine Company and the inventors behind it, candy floss became a global favourite. Known as fairy floss in Australia and candy floss in the UK, it’s now a nostalgic treat enjoyed by all ages.

💖 Keeping the Tradition Alive at Candy Floss Events

Here at Candy Floss Events, we’re proud to carry on this sweet tradition at weddings, corporate events, student giveaways, and family fun days. When you book us, you're not just getting a tasty treat—you’re sharing in a piece of history.

So next time you see those sugar strands spinning, remember: it all started with a dentist, a dream, and a little electric magic.

Want to add some sugary nostalgia to your next event? Contact us today and let’s spin up something sweet!