Le Sueur in Le Sueur County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Jolly Green Giant
Eleven thousand seven hundred cases of white cream style corn were sold that first year. The profit from this was enough to buy two more kettles. The company continued to grow, and in 1907 it began canning peas under the Blue and Gold label. In 1925, the Green Giant brand of peas was added. Vacuum packed Niblet brand yellow whole kernel corn was introduced in 1929. Though the company continued to expand, packing a variety of vegetables and opening canning facilities throughout the United States, only corn and peas were ever canned in Le Sueur.
In the early 1940s, during World War II, many of the local men went into the military service. That left a shortage of help. Laborers from Mexico and Jamaica and German prisoners of war were assigned to help harvest the vital food crops needed.
In 1950, the Minnesota Valley Canning Company changed its name to the Green Giant Company. In 1978, one year before the company was acquired by Pillsbury, its national sales were over $485 million, and its net earnings were over $10 million.
Over the years, the canning company had a direct impact on the positive growth and development of the City of Le Sueur. The Le Sueur plant closed in 1995. Today its history remains and if you listen carefully, the gentle laughter of the Jolly Green Giant can still be heard echoing through his valley.
seal of The Minnesota Historical Society, Instituted 1849
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society
and the Pillsbury Company
1998
Erected 1998 by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Pillsbury Company.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 44° 28.336′ N, 93° 54.382′ W. Marker is in Le Sueur, Minnesota, in Le Sueur County. Marker is at the intersection of Dakota Street and Commerce Street (Minnesota Highway 112) on Dakota Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Le Sueur MN 56058, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Le Sueur (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. William W. Mayo House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Roster of the Le Sueur Tigers (approx. 0.8 miles away); 1923 Minnesota River Bridge (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Minnesota River Valley (approx. 1.9 miles away); St. Jude's Episcopal Church Congregation (approx. 3.8 miles away); Joseph R. Brown State Monument (approx. 3.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Le Sueur.
Also see . . .
1. Green Giant. Wikipedia entry. "'The Valley of the Jolly Green Giant' refers to the Minnesota River valley around Le Sueur." (Submitted on May 19, 2013.)
2. Green Giant. Our Story. (Submitted on May 19, 2013.)
3. The Green Giant. History of the mascot. (Submitted on May 19, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 19, 2013, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.