Somerville Celebrates Fluff's 100th Birthday

SOMERVILLE, MA – It was March 3, 1842, and Massachusetts Gov. John Davis – likely while stroking some legendary facial hair – officially released Somerville from the clutches of nearby Charlestown.

The city officially turned 175 on Friday, months into a year-long birthday party highlighting Somerville's rich history.

Included in that history is Somerville's most famous export, which, in a serendipitous turn of events, also celebrates a major milestone this month.

That's right, Marshmallow Fluff turns 100 this month, and Somerville celebrated late last week with a slew of Fluff-infused treats at the farmers' market and the release of "Fluff: The Sticky Sweet Story of an American Icon" by resident Mimi Graney.

Marshmallow Fluff originated in Union Square in 1917, the brainchild of Archibald Query. Since then, it has become "like Forrest Gump," Graney said in a Boston Globe interview.

"It’s everywhere throughout history – from the Great Molasses Flood to the development of grocery stores to the increase of advertising," she told the Globe.

According to Boston Magazine, Graney will be making several appearances throughout the month the share her knowledge of all things Fluff, including a book signing March 10 at Spindler Confections from 5 to 7 p.m.; a talk and signing at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation on March 22 at 6:30 p.m.; a signing at the Somerville Public Library at 3 p.m. on March 10; and a chat at Somerville gift shop Davis Squared from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 1.

Image by Jot Powers (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons