For Sale: 1914 Cretors Model D in Saint Louis, Missouri

Few objects capture the spirit of early American enterprise and showmanship as vividly as the horse-drawn popcorn wagons produced by C. Cretors & Company of Chicago. Founded by Charles Cretors, the firm revolutionized the concession industry in the late 19th century with mechanized peanut roasters and popcorn poppers that transformed the humble act of buying a snack into an event. Cretors first unveiled his ingenious steam-powered machine at the 1893 Columbian Exposition, where throngs of fairgoers were drawn in not only by the aroma of roasted peanuts and fresh popcorn, but also by the sight and sound of the machinery itself - complete with the whimsical "Roasty Toasty Man" endlessly turning the crank. By the early 20th century, Cretors wagons had become fixtures at circuses, fairs, and street corners nationwide, instantly recognizable by their brightly painted coachwork, sparkling glass panels, and gleaming nickel trim.
The Model D was the flagship of the lineup - a deluxe horse-drawn concession wagon designed for large crowds and extended service. Measuring on a 110-inch wheelbase, it was the most spacious and elaborate of the Cretors offerings, often specified with multiple serving windows, ornate signage, and an array of cooking equipment to meet customer demand. While smaller wagons catered to casual vendors, the Model D represented the pinnacle of Cretors design: a mobile concession palace that blended practicality with theatrical flair.
The example offered here is a particularly fine and remarkably authentic Model D, believed to date from circa 1914. It is finished in an eye-catching livery of a blue roof, vivid red body, and bright yellow wheels and suspension, a period-correct combination that emphasizes its carnival spirit. Beveled glass windows surround the body, including blue leaded glass upper panels with decorative writing, lending both elegance and visibility. Original-style gas lamps flank the exterior, further underscoring its period charm and authenticity.
As a deluxe model, this wagon was equipped with a full complement of steam-powered concession equipment. Inside, one finds a peanut roaster, dual popcorn poppers operated by the famous "Roasty Toasty Man," a peanut boiler/fryer, a hotdog griddle, and even a beverage cooler - a complete turnkey concession business on wheels. Importantly, unlike many examples that were later converted to propane or electric operation, this wagon has resisted the urge to modernize. It remains substantially stock, with its steam-powered components intact, while a discreet electrical system has been added to support lighting. The result is a machine that retains its historic integrity while remaining adaptable to present-day operation.
Details abound that speak to the wagon's originality and careful stewardship. The rear footbrake is believed to be original to the chassis, and the wagon sits properly on its 110-inch wheelbase horse-drawn undercarriage. As was typical of the deluxe Model D, it was designed as a concession platform rather than a transport vehicle and therefore does not provide a driver's box. Having received sympathetic care throughout its life, this wagon presents today as a highly authentic survivor. It is believed to remain largely as built, with only minor updates to allow for display and occasional demonstration use.
Cretors wagons have long been prized by collectors of Americana, not merely as artifacts of early concession culture but as symbols of ingenuity and showmanship. Their bright colors, whirring mechanisms, and irresistible aromas helped shape the experience of fairs, circuses, and street corners across America, turning a simple snack into entertainment. Today, surviving wagons are rare, particularly in this level of specification and authenticity.
This 1914 Model D, with its deluxe equipment, original presentation, and vibrant livery, is a superb example of Cretors' finest work. Whether displayed as a museum-quality artifact, operated at private gatherings, or simply appreciated as a dazzling piece of early 20th-century Americana, it stands as a captivating reminder of the era when a popcorn wagon could stop passersby in their tracks and bring a crowd together with the magic of steam, spectacle, and simple pleasures.


Offers welcome and trades considered.