Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Thomas Adams, Jr.
American Chicle Company
1899–1922
1899–1922
American Chicle Company
1899–1922
1899–1922
- Industry: Food & Tobacco
- Era: pre-1900
Experimenting with chicle (a gum substance from the Mexican Spodilla tree), Adams discovered a commercial use for the substance by utilizing it in the manufacture of a chewing gum. Adams developed public acceptance of this new and unique product, forming the American Chicle Company in 1899. Adams tirelessly promoted the new product while serving as the company’s president for 23 years.