Valparaiso in Porter County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The story of Orville Redenbacher and Charlie Bowman
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 12, 2022
1. The Story of Orville Redenbacher and Charlie Bowman Marker
In the 1960s, the founders and partners of Chester, Inc., Charlie Bowman and Orville Redenbacher, developed and produced hybrid popcorn seed under the name Red Bow Popcorn (Red for Redenbacher and Bow for Bowman).
As one of the largest wholesale popcorn distributors in the Midwest, Red Bow Popcorn soon became popular and was known for its excellent quality and high popping volume. Thinking they had a winner with their product, Charlie Bowman felt they needed better branding recognition if they wanted to go nationwide in the retail market. They chose Orville's name and likeness to represent the brand. Today the name Orville Redenbacher is synonymous with popcorn throughout the world. Charlie and Orville were always proud to call Valparaiso their hometown for family and business.
Orville Redenbacher July 16, 1907 - Sept. 19, 1995
Charlie Bowman May 3, 1919 - April 8, 2009
Sculpture created by artist Lou Cella. Dedicated Sept. 4, 2012
Erected 2012.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is July 16, 1907.
Location. 41° 28.06′ N, 87° 3.717′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Indiana and in the Calumet Region. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Sac Trail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lincoln Highway (about 300 feet away); Porter County (Indiana) Veterans (about 300 feet away); Corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets
Photographed by Lou Donkle
2. Statue of Orville Redenbacher and Marker
Also see . . . Orville Redenbacher Popcorn History. Before he and partner Charlie Bowman bought the George F. Chester and Son seed corn plant near Valparaiso, Indiana in 1951. Orville Redenbacher spent about 15 years seeking the popcorn lover's version of the Holy Grail - a fluffier kernel that pops at a near- perfect rate. To find it, he pollinated an estimated 2.25 million stalks of corn, experimenting with some 30,000 hybrids.
"I suppose that my persistence and stubbornness were somehow responsible for what success I've had," Redenbacher once said. "I had been told I was looking for a will-o'-the-wisp, to leave well enough alone. I didn't listen." (Submitted on June 28, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana.)
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 12, 2022
3. Entrance structure to the park where the marker and statue are located
Photographed by Lou Donkle
4. Statue of Orville Redenbacher
Photographed by Lou Donkle, June 12, 2022
5. Statue of Orville Redenbacher
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 5,039 times since then and 309 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 16, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
