Popcorn became widely popular starting in the 1890s.
From the 1890s until the Great Depression, popcorn's popularity surged. Street vendors capitalized on this trend by following crowds at fairs, parks, and expositions, using steam or gas-powered popcorn machines. During the Depression, popcorn became an affordable treat, costing only 5 or 10 cents a bag, making it accessible to many families.
