The town of Leominster is best known for being the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed. But like me, you may be surprised to find out that some everyday kitchen items that we use were invented in this central Massachusetts town. That’s right, Tupperware storage containers were born in Leominster.

In the 1940s, Leominster was known for its booming plastics industry. There were several factories throughout the town. Earl Tupper, a local man with big ideas, worked in one of these factories.
Katie Hargrave/flickr
Tupper was quite an industrious entrepreneur. After several failed inventions, he came up with the idea of the “wonderbowl,” an airtight sealed storage container.
Thomas Hawk/flickr
This was the beginning of the Tupperware Plastics Company.
Tupper initially started selling his product in retail stores, but this did not prove to be very profitable.
Peacock Modern/flickr

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It was not until a woman named Brownie Wise suggested the concept of "home parties" that the company really took off.
1950sUnlimited/flickr
Tupperware parties were a fun way for people to see the Tupperware products demonstrated within a home setting.
The products could then be ordered on the spot from the Tupperware hostess.
VeganHeart Always/flickr
Becoming a hostess was a way for women to get out in the workplace. They also earned product rewards for selling a certain amount of Tupperware items.
Tupperware products may look a little bit different these days. The brand has expanded into cookware, bakeware, and on-the-go containers.
Tupperware
However, the concept of fresh, airtight storage is still the same.
Earl Tupper passed away in 1983, but his legacy lives on. Tupperware is still a household name and the products are sold around the world.
VeganHeart Always/flickr
You can purchase Tupperware in stores or online. And yes, Tupperware parties are still a thing.

Have you ever visited Leominster? While the Tupperware Factory is no longer located here, you can still find lots of other fun things to do in the area.  Be sure to take a stroll through lovely Doyle Community Park and stop for a cheesesteak at T.C. Lando’s. Is your town the birthplace of an interesting invention? Please tell us all about it.

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