New evidence shows that Springfield is the birthplace of the Pillsbury Doughboy

Posted on March 7, 2023
Richmond says the now-decrepit facility has a rich history in Springfield, and the discovery of the Doughboy only makes it richer. (Provided by Moving Pillsbury Forward)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Springfield is the “Home of Lincoln,” but – perhaps more importantly – it may also be the birthplace of the Pillsbury Doughboy.

Chris Richmond heads a nonprofit which is raising money to demolish a long-abandoned Pillsbury plant in town and says they discovered what is undoubtedly an early version of Poppin’ Fresh, flexing his bicep and sketched onto a piece of equipment.

Stories from former plant employees point to one worker – from the late 40’s through the early 60’s – who fancied himself a sketch artist and left drawings of the little Doughboy everywhere. That would be at odds with the “official” story: that Pillsbury hired Chicago’s Leo Burnett ad agency to create the mascot in 1965.

The investigation continues.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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