Our Timeless Heritage
1866
1878
1880
In 1880, Washburn took his flour to the First Millers International Exhibition, held in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was attended by millers from around the world. Washburn took the three top prizes at the fair, including the gold medal for his Superlative Flour brand.
After winning the esteemed award, orders poured in and Washburn began using the Gold Medal™ name on his best grade of flour. Gold Medal™ flour was born.
1905
1907
1910
1925
In 1925, Gold Medal™ flour began a new way of testing flour – in a kitchen. The company’s home economists tested the flour in typical baked products and verified its quality before it was shipped.
In the 1920’s Gold Medal™ flour took to the airwaves in radio programs that carried cooking and baking content.
The Gold Medal™ Home Service Department provided answers to customers’ baking and cooking questions.
1940
1946
In 1946, the government issued War Food Order Number 144. This required millers to include the coarser, darker parts of the wheat kernel in order to make wheat supplies last longer.
Since the War Food Order required the company to change the way it milled flour, the Gold Medal trademark was taken off the bags. The logo returned in 1947 when the regulation was lifted.