Lititz Pretzels, Lititz, Pennsylvania, 1942

Lititz, Pennsylvania, has a rich history tied to the pretzel-making industry, particularly dating back to the 1800s and throughout the 1900s. This small town in Lancaster County became famous for its pretzel production, and several key pretzel makers contributed to its reputation.

Julius Sturgis founded the first commercial pretzel bakery in the United States in Lititz in 1861. This bakery is not only a significant part of Lititz's pretzel-making history but also an important piece of American food industry history. The Sturgis family's pretzel recipe, brought over from Germany, became the foundation for a thriving business. The Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is still operational today and serves as a historic site where visitors can learn about pretzel making and the history of the industry in Lititz.

The Lititz Springs Pretzel Company (pictured), while not as widely recognized as the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, is another part of the rich pretzel-making heritage of Lititz, Pennsylvania. Lititz Springs Pretzel Company was one of several smaller, local pretzel manufacturers that operated in the area, contributing to Lititz's reputation as a hub for pretzel production. Lewis C. Haines (background) is unloading a tray of pretzels that has come up on a dumb waiter from the baking room below. His son, Bob, weighs them and packs them in cans. Lititz was the first town in America where pretzels were made.

Throughout the 1900s, these pretzel makers and others in the region contributed to Pennsylvania's reputation as a pretzel-producing powerhouse. The influence of German immigrants in the area cannot be understated, as they brought their pretzel recipes and traditions to the United States, where they became an integral part of the snack food industry.

Pretzel production in Lititz and the surrounding areas was characterized by both hand-twisted and machine-produced pretzels. The innovation in pretzel machinery in the early 20th century allowed for increased production and variety, making pretzels an accessible and popular snack across the country.

Lititz's contribution to the pretzel industry is celebrated annually at the Lititz Pretzel Fest, highlighting the town's history and its ongoing love affair with pretzels. Visitors to Lititz can explore the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, among other historical sites, to get a firsthand look at the town's pretzel-making heritage.

Read Pretzel Paradise: Chasing the Twisted Journey from Europe to Lititz Pennsylvania's Pretzel Capital here.