July 7, 1928 — first package of sliced bread sold. This historic event took place at the first bakery to use a bread-slicing machine, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Chillicothe, Missouri. The machine was invented by Otto Rohwedder, a jeweler by training.
The sales slogan, “The greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped,” led to the saying “The greatest thing since sliced bread.”
What was the greatest thing before this?
• Printing press?
• Swinging gates?
• Toothpicks?
• Pants?
• Toilet paper?
• Wheel?
Other suggestions? Please email to us at contractus@dullmensclub.com
The Atlantic — July 9,1928: “Happy Birthday, Sliced Bread! The ‘Greatest Thing’ Turns 85 This Week” [91 this year]
