THE HISTORY OF TOM SMITH

It was on a trip to Paris, in 1840 that an adventurous and forward thinking Tom Smith discovered the 'bon-bon' a.k.a cracker, wrapped in a twist of tissue paper. Seven Years later this simple idea evolved into the Cristmas Cracker.

By placing a small love motto in the tissue paper he created enormous interest in this product, especially at Christmas and it was during a search of inspiration to achieve an even greater sales that he casually threw a log on the fire. The crackle sound, made by burning log, gave the idea that he would eventually lead to the cracker we know and love today (bedil atau Petasan). After a great deal of hard work and experimentation he came up with a cracking mechanism that created a 'POP' as the 'bon-bon' wrapping was broken. this eventually became the snap and the cracker was born.

Over the nest few years his idea evolved and grewfrom his original premise in Clerkenwell, East London, to Finsbury Square in the city. His sons, Tom , Walter and Henry took over the business when he died and later a drinking fountain was erected in Finsbury Square, by Walter, in memory of the man who invented the Christmas Cracker.

It was Walter who invented the paper hats and he toured the world to find new and unusual ideas for gifts.


source: Tom Smith Group Ltd. Cracker suppliers. since 1847.