Movie popcorn popularizer dead
BOYNTON BEACH, Florida (AP) -- Samuel M. Rubin, who helped make popcorn the popular snack at movie theaters, died Thursday, his daughter said. He was 85.
Popcorn became a staple at movie theaters during the Great Depression. From 1934 to 1940, the nation's annual popcorn harvest grew from 5 million to 100 million pounds.
Rubin was likely the first to pop corn in machines on a widespread basis in theaters. He began by popping the kernels in Long Island City, New York, and trucking it to theaters but later made the treat in theaters.
Rubin was born on May 24, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York. He sold pretzels at age 6 and flags at 9.
When a vending machine rolled and broke against the stage, he used it as counter to sell candy, a precursor of the modern movie concession stand.
He also developed movie-size candy bars and boxes, which could be sold for $1.50 instead of 35 cents, and sold liquor in Broadway theaters.
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