Vigo County Historical Society

Crackers a part of Terre Haute heritage

Polly wants a cracker. Everyone wants a fresh, crisp cracker. Some of the best were made right here in Terre Haute by the Miller-Parrott Baking Co.

The first plant opened in 1880 n the old Dowling Hall on North Sixth Street, between Wabash Avenue and Cherry Street. In 1905 it was incorporated as the Miller-Parrott Baking Co. and the name remained with the operation through the years, although it changed hands several times.

In 1915, having outgrown its facility on North Sixth Street, the company moved its plant to 1450 Wabash Ave., where it remained until 1957, when a new operation in Seelyville was completed.

In 1956, the company’s marketing area was within 150 miles of Terre Haute. By 1962, Miller-Parrott was selling products in 38 states.

Not only did the company make crackers but also 50 varieties of cakes and cookies and 11 different kinds of breads. The wrapped breads were Square Deal and Milk Maid. The unwrapped breads were Tip-Top, Mothers, Home-Made, Snow-Flake, Perfection, salt-rising, and Rye and whole wheat.

In addition the company made a variety of rolls, buns and sweet breads. A cookie line included oatmeal, sugar, chocolate ship, ginger snaps, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, chocolate covered grahams, fig bars and sandwich cookies. The company also made a variety of pies.

The Miller-Parrott Baking Co. was the first local industry to receive the Army-Navy "E" award for high production during World War II. It was the only one in the nation to win five such awards. It served in both World Wars as producer of "C" rations.

The building at 1450 Wabash Ave. is now the home of the Light House Mission.