John B. Curtis was born on October 10, 1827, in Maine. He grew up alongside his brother and sister as the children of John and Mary Curtis. From a young age, Curtis was hardworking and resourceful, traits that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Before achieving fame as the first person to market and commercially produce chewing gum, Curtis worked on a farm. It was during this time that he developed a keen interest in entrepreneurship and innovation. In the late 1870s, he took a bold step and married Alice Bacon, his partner in life and business.
Curtis revolutionized the gum industry by creating chewing gum varieties such as "Licorice Lulu," "Sugar Cream," and "Yankee Spruce." His most notable achievement was using spruce tree resin to manufacture chewing gum on a large scale. This innovation paved the way for the Curtis & Son company, which produced nearly two thousand packages of chewing gum daily.
John B. Curtis left a lasting impact on the world of entrepreneurship. His determination, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire generations of innovators. Alongside inventors like Percy Spencer, Curtis contributed to Maine's rich history of innovation during the nineteenth century.
John B. Curtis will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the gum industry. His dedication to his craft and willingness to think outside the box set him apart from his peers. Curtis's legacy lives on through the innovative products he created and the company he established. As we reflect on his life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of perseverance and creativity in the world of entrepreneurship.