North Loop in Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar

Built: 1919, 1921

— Historic North Loop —

Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

1. Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar Marker

Inscription.

Frank Mars moved his fledgling candy company, Mar-O-Bar, into 718 North Washington Avenue in 1922. Shortly after, he and his son, Forrest, were at a soda fountain when Forrest suggested making a candy bar that tasted like malted milk—which was all the rage at the time. Using a light nougat with malt flavoring and chocolate purchased from Hersey, the Milky Way bar was born. It was such a hit, Mars quickly outgrew this space and moved operations to the Chicago area in 1929.

This building was also home to the Johnson Nut Company from 1922 to the early 50s. Founded by J. Clifford Johnson, the company imported and processed various types of nuts, with workers salting, roasting, dipping and packaging them in this facility.

Erected by North Loop Neighborhood Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.

Location. 44° 59.292′ N, 93° 16.643′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. It is in North Loop. It is on N. Washington Avenue west of N. 7th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

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address: 718 N Washington Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bag Factory & Gambles HQ (within shouting distance of this marker); Sunshine Bakery (within shouting distance of this marker); Buggies, Plows & Tractors (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Glass Factory (about 600 feet away); Bloody Friday in Minneapolis (about 600 feet away); Washers & Tools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Candy Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mouthwash Factory (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.

Also see . . . Loop Back: Birthplace Of The Milky Way (QR code on marker).

Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar Marker near the entrance to 718 N. Washington Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, June 23, 2024

2. Birthplace of the Milky Way Bar Marker near the entrance to 718 N. Washington Avenue

(Submitted on September 3, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 286 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.