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. It is at the intersection of Business U.S. 83 and North 6th Street, on the left when traveling west on U.S. 83Business . Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 609 West US 83 Business, McAllen TX 78501, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McAllen Lodge No. 1110, A.F. & A.M.
this page online
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 1,671 times since then and 133 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.
