McAllen in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Paris Gum Factory
Photographed By James Hulse, January 27, 2021
1. Paris Gum Factory Marker
During WW II, because of rationing, Andrew J. Paris (1919-1997) and his family had no sweets to sell in their Detroit, Mi. tobacconist shop. In 1942, in Mexico City, Paris found an ample supply of candies and chewing gum to save his family's store. In 1945, he established an import business in McAllen bringing in gum from Mexico. In 1946, he converted Mexican chewing gum factories to bubble gum production and cornered the latex market. In Feb. 1947, LIFE magazine dubbed him the "Bubble Gum King." On Oct. 1, 1947, the Paris Gum Factory opened in McAllen, employing fifty Hispanic women in the air-conditioned building, with sales worldwide. The Art-Deco factory designed by Lucile Hendricks of McAllen closed in 1955.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2012
City of McAllen
Paris Gum Factory
Built 1947
Is Designated A
McAllen Landmark
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17235.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1947.
Location. 26° 12.155′ N, 98° 13.564′ W. Marker is in McAllen, Texas, in Hidalgo County. Marker is at the intersection of Business U.S. 83 and North 6th Street, on the left when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McAllen Lodge No. 1111 A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of McAllen (approx. 0.4 miles away); Archer Park (approx. half a mile away); McAllen, The Beginning (approx. half a mile away); McAllen Post Office (approx. half a mile away); Casa de Palmas (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Casa de Palmas (approx. 0.6 miles away); M. & J. Nelson Building (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McAllen.
Photographed By James Hulse, January 27, 2021
2. Paris Gum Factory and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, January 27, 2021
3. The view of the Paris Gum Factory from the road
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 4, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
