Note: in response to feedback, I now made images clickable for the full size.
Riding West on I90 towards Madison SD at the allowed 70mph, I see a
poster flying by. Something like Satisfy Your Hunger for
Knowledge: The Spam Museum. I am in a hurry, for sure. But this? This, I cannot pass by.
Off I veer towards Austin, MN. And without ado:
A Regal Front EntranceThe information density past to entrance is almost overstimulatingA challenge thrown at dinner guests.
Right away from the regal entrance portal you see the cultural significance
of this giant among museums. The interior is full of wonder. You have no idea
of how rich a history lies behind the Spam brand.
For example, did you know how the name came about? Well, check out this memorial plaque for the answer. A party guest took up the host's challenge: $100 for the winning name.
You may enjoy endless varieties of Spam, contributed by numerous countries. Basically, all countries where the US has been at war. Democracy, and Spam is what it's about out there.
Take South Korea. This grateful people clearly soaked up the idea. You present family and friends with Spam gift sets for Thanksgiving, and the Lunar New Year. That is just so thoughtful. When was the last time anyone loved and respected you enough to present you with a Spam gift set? Makes you think, doesn't it?
Nothing says Love like SpamI don't know how to caption this image, I really don't
And, you know, the uses of Spam do not end with the satisfying meal it
provides. No, one can measure a person's height by the number of Spam cans
required to reach the crown of their head.
Fun for the entire family is guaranteed if you purchase this fabulous Spam
catapult. As the exhibit plate emphasizes:
There is nothing quite so majestic as a cube of Spam Classic arching through the skies on its way to knocking down a pyramid of empty Spam brand cans!
A competitor to the French meter: the Spam CanEarly desing of a Spam catapult for hurling cubes of Spam ClassicThe Hormel Girls are coming to town
And speaking of entertainment. Few cultural losses match the tragedy of losing the
tradition of the Hormel Girls. Instead of today's Internet smut, wouldn't it be
marvelous to still have these wholesome women stop by the parking lot of your
local Safeway, Lucky, or Whole Foods store? These are our true values, people.
Institutions like the Hormel Girls.
Alas, Spam culture does live on in this museum's Gift Shop. You may
marvel at the tasteful melding of commerce and sartorial americana.
But let's not forget whence our Spam hails. This schematic might help you
and yours one day to produce your own Spam under license from the great
Hormel Corporation. Why just supply our troops? Your family as well
deserves the best.
Finally, what have you learned here today? You may test your knowledge
by guessing, or researching the answers to questions like How many cans
of Spam product are eaten every second? (12.8). And How many cans
of Spam product have been produced (9 billion). That's the power of
American innovation. Nine billion cans of Spam!
And the story does not end here. The company that brought you Spam continues
to innovate! Observe how this dedicated employee is straining towards
innovative culinary invention. And she succeeds: Spam Fries!
This spirit is why Spam has inspired friendship, and played important symbolic roles in love and marriage. A dedicated display celebrates those moments of triumph in the history of American Spam.
And thus we say goodby to a great museum. I did learn from the displays, including the product's genuine significance during WWII for both the US and its allies. While providing information, and showcasing a product, this museum does not take itself too seriously, which is refreshing.
