In 1902 Animal Crackers came in boxes with string handles attached, for what reason?

Answer 1

It was supposed to resemble a train car that would bring the wild animals in to town with the circus. The string was to make it easy for kids to carry.

Answer 2

There were no plastic bags in 1902. All products came in either metal tins or boxes. Obviously, boxes were cheaper than tins for the cookies, and the string was a way to carry your little box...which resembled a box car on a train filled with animals.

Answer 3

Later in 1902 the now-familiar box was designed for the Christmas season with the innovative idea of attaching a string to hang from the Christmas tree. These five-cent cartons were a big hit and are still so today. (Up until that time crackers were sold in bulk or in large tins)

http://collectibles.about.com/library/articles/blTFbarnums.htm

Answer 4

so the kids could carry them, as string was cheaper to use and paper would break ,and no plastic was in major use back then

Answer 5

Hmmm, how are the boxes made now? I thought they were still the same...it's been awhile since I've bought them since my kids are grown.

Answer 6

OMG I had forgotten all about that. I don't know the answer to your question but it sure brought back some memories for me. I can remember packing that little box around. lol Thanks.

Answer 7

for little kids to carry.

Answer 8

Soooo you can carry them if your were a kid?

Answer 9

to carry them around in your hand...or woman could use them as earrings......doh