‘CRUNCH!’ TIME

STAFF REPORT

HOWLAND — Author Dirk Burhans will discuss his new book, “Crunch! A History of the Great American Potato Chip,” on Saturday at the Howland Branch of the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library, 9095 E. Market St.

In addition to signing copies of his latest book, the Geauga County native will display his collection of vintage potato chip packaging and memorabilia.

There also will be a potato chip tasting with free bags of offbeat potato chip brands, and free chip bookmarks and collector packs of “Vintage American Potato Chips.”

Potato chips have become one of America’s favorite snacks since their accidental origin in the 19th century, and “Crunch! A History of the Great American Potato Chip” tells the story of the crispy, salty treat.

From their early sales at corner groceries, county fairs, and cafes to the mass marketing and corporate consolidation of the modern snack-food industry, potato chips have grown into a national delight.

“While shopping for my elderly father one day in Athens, in the late 1990s, I noticed all these oddball potato chip brands in the snack aisle that I’d either forgotten or never tried,” Burhans said.

From intrigue to investigation, he found that the region he knew as home had a hand in the success of potato chips.

He said that Akron, Youngstown and Massillon were home to many of the earliest chip companies and are considered especially important in their history. Soon, he began writing stories for his local paper about the remaining chip business in town.

From those initial stories, and an expanded overview of the industry, his book was formed.

“Many people ask, ‘How could you write a whole book on potato chips?’” Burhans said.

Illustrated with images of early snack-food paraphernalia and clever packaging from an era of incomparable American advertising art, “Crunch!” is a 200-plus-page tour of large and small business in America and the multitudes of popular tastes. There is plenty to write about potato chips, he said.

Burhans grew up in the heart of traditional potato chip country, and has been a frequent contributor to newspapers and magazines on the subjects of potato chips, soda pop and hamburger chains.

He has a doctorate in biology from the University of Missouri and has worked as an avian ecologist, graphic artist and part-time musician. He lives near Columbia, Mo.

The discussion begins at 3 p.m. For more information about the program at Howland Branch Library, call (330) 399-8807, ext. 128.