Image Source: Barry Bradford
When you hear the name “Baby Ruth,” the first thing that might come to mind is the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. However, it may surprise you to learn that the iconic candy bar was actually named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, and not the baseball superstar. This interesting fact has sparked much debate and curiosity over the years, but the historical evidence makes it clear that the candy was truly a tribute to the former president’s child.
The Baby Ruth candy bar, manufactured by the Curtiss Candy Company, was first introduced in 1921. At that time, Babe Ruth was already a well-known figure in the baseball world, leading many to assume that the candy bar was named after him. However, the company vehemently denied any connection to the famous athlete, stating that the candy was named after Ruth Cleveland, the daughter of President Grover Cleveland.
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Ruth Cleveland was born in 1891 during her father’s first term as President of the United States. She quickly captured the hearts of the American people with her cheerful personality and adorable charm. The public took a keen interest in her upbringing and eagerly followed her activities. It’s no surprise that the Curtiss Candy Company decided to pay homage to this beloved little girl by naming their new candy bar after her.
Despite the company’s clear intentions, many still doubted the true origin of the candy’s name. The timing of the candy’s release and the rising popularity of baseball during that era led to widespread speculation about a potential connection between the candy and Babe Ruth. Some even speculated that the company denied the association to avoid paying royalties to the famous player.
The controversy surrounding the candy’s name reached a new height when Babe Ruth himself entered the picture. In an attempt to leverage his popularity, the baseball player signed a deal with the George Herman Ruth Candy Company to produce his own signature candy bar. This move only fuelled the confusion and further solidified the notion that the Baby Ruth bar was named after him.
Despite all the speculation, the historical evidence makes it clear that the candy was indeed named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter. The company consistently reiterated this fact, even going as far as to publish advertisements featuring Ruth Cleveland alongside the candy bar. These advertisements served as a visual reminder of the candy’s true namesake.
In conclusion, the Baby Ruth candy bar was unquestionably named after Grover Cleveland’s daughter, Ruth, and not the baseball player Babe Ruth. Although the controversy and confusion may persist, the historical records and company’s own claims provide a clear and accurate picture of the candy’s origin.
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