Our Past Is Present October 3, 2017

October 3, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            The phrase “Now we’re cooking with gas” originated in the late 1930s or early 40s as a slogan thought up by the natural gas industry to convince people to use gas, rather than electricity on their new-fangled stoves.  This was the era where there was a widespread transition from wood-fueled stoves, and electric and natural gas stoves were in competition with each other.  The gas industry wanted to imprint the idea in people’s minds that cooking with gas was the most effective way to get the hot food on the table. 

            A demonstration given by the Junction City Gas Company Office in September of 1913 attracted many shoppers.  The demonstration of gas ranges and other gas appliances brought both men and women in to witness this new way of cooking.  A Mr. Hutchinson and his helpers cooked and served biscuits, coffee and apricot jam to everyone who visited the store. Coupons were handed out with a registration for a drawing to be held for a gas stove, which would be given away the next day.

            The phrase “Now we’re cooking with gas” was likely coined by a man named Deke Houlgate, who worked for the American Gas Association in the 1930s. He planted the phrase with writers for Bob Hope, who used it in his comedy routines.  The phrase also pops up in Jack Benny routines, a 1942 movie and a 1943 Daffy Duck cartoon.  You may have even heard Jerry Brecheisen say the phrase when he gets more than the usual calls on “Swap Shop.”  He means calls have increased and moving along in a positive way.