Clatsburg Missouri Transue's Hot Ropasred Peanuts 1908 Real Photo Postcard

Popcorn vending became a significant feature of American popular culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly at outdoor events. Early portable popcorn machines, often steam or kerosene-powered, allowed vendors to set up at fairs, carnivals, circuses, and street corners. The HOT sign on the cart highlights the freshly prepared nature of the snack, which contributed to its widespread appeal as an affordable treat.