Community Corner
Microwave Cooking Comes to Western Springs
Before1967, no one had heard of microwave cooking. But, in that year, a train came to town promoting a newfangled device.
When Raytheon Corporation was researching radar technology during World War II, one of their engineers noticed that microwaves emitted by the radar had melted a candy bar in his pocket. He soon realized that microwaves could cook foods quickly, even faster than conventional ovens.
The rest is history. Raytheon produced the first commercial microwave oven in 1954. But, it was too large and expensive. Later, in 1967, they developed a smaller, less expensive model for home use. It was called the “Radarange” and was produced by Amana, a division of Raytheon.
While the new product was heavily advertised, Amana decided it had to demonstrate the new oven to the public. So, they designed a train-based showroom called the “Space Age Express” which traveled from town to town, showing the product to consumers firsthand.
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As part of its promotion along the Burlington line, Amana invited members of the Women’s Club of Western Springs to “view the wonders of super-fast microwave cooking” aboard its special streamliner train. At 11 a.m. on November 28, the train arrived at the Western Springs train station. During the 30-minute stop, the invited guests were ushered aboard to the music of a live brass band. They were then introduced to the Amana “Radarange”, the first counter-top microwave oven utilizing standard house current.
While on board, the invited guests received souvenirs, refreshments, and “samples of food cooked on the spot” in the Radarange. Each lady also received a specially designed chef’s hat signifying membership in the “Order of Space Age Cooks”. Then, at 11:30 a.m., the Western Springs guests disembarked and the “Space Age Express” continued on to Hinsdale and points west.
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In 1967, the first Amana microwave sold for $495. At that time, the average car sold for $2,700. But, despite the initial high cost, the idea obviously caught on. Today, there are an estimated 200 million microwave ovens in use worldwide. And, at last check, you could purchase an Amana microwave from Best Buy for just $206.
Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org.
