MoonPies and RC

The American South, a region steeped in history and culture, has gifted the world with a rich tapestry of contributions. From the literary genius of William Faulkner to the soulful sounds of blues and bluegrass, from the adrenaline-pumping spectacle of stock car racing to the environmental advocacy of Al Gore, the South’s influence resonates far beyond its borders. Among these treasures, one stands out as a uniquely Southern culinary icon, a sweet treat that has captivated generations: the MoonPie. This humble confection, deeply intertwined with the region’s identity, has called Chattanooga, Tennessee, home for over three-quarters of a century.

For those unfamiliar with this Southern delight, a MoonPie is a deceptively simple yet satisfying creation. Imagine a sandwich crafted from two perfectly round Graham cracker cookies, embracing a fluffy filling of marshmallow cream. This delectable combination is then enrobed in a coating of chocolate, vanilla, or banana, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Beyond the classic chocolate version, variations abound, including double-decker MoonPies for the truly indulgent and fruit-flavored options for those seeking a tangy twist. While the MoonPie reigns supreme in the South, its close relative, the Scooter Pie, can be found in other corners of the country, offering a similar taste of nostalgic goodness.

The MoonPie has long held a place of honor in the Southern diet, evolving from a simple snack to a cultural symbol. Its enduring popularity is inextricably linked to another Southern institution: Royal Crown Cola, affectionately known as RC. The phrase "a RC and a MoonPie" has become a shorthand for a quintessential Southern pairing, a testament to their harmonious flavors and shared history. During the harsh years of the Great Depression, the affordability of this duo – a RC and a MoonPie could be purchased for a mere ten cents – cemented its status as a working man’s lunch, a small comfort in times of economic hardship.

The precise origins of the MoonPie are shrouded in a delightful mist of folklore. The most credible account traces its genesis to the early 1900s, when a traveling salesman representing a Chattanooga bakery observed Kentucky coal miners indulging in a makeshift treat: Graham crackers dipped in marshmallow sauce. These resourceful miners allowed the marshmallow-coated crackers to harden, creating a convenient and energy-rich snack to carry into the depths of the coal mines. Inspired by this ingenuity, the salesman inquired about the miners’ ideal snack. One miner, gesturing towards the full moon rising over the horizon, declared that it should be "as big as the moon."

This celestial vision sparked the bakery’s imagination. After conducting informal taste tests with the discerning palates of the coal miners, the bakery embarked on mass production of MoonPies in 1917. From its humble beginnings, the MoonPie has expanded its reach, now available in most parts of the United States. However, it is in the South that the MoonPie truly thrives, remaining a beloved cultural icon, a tangible link to the region’s past and a symbol of its enduring spirit. To date, over eight billion MoonPies have rolled off the assembly lines in Chattanooga, a testament to their enduring appeal.

Royal Crown Cola, the MoonPie‘s steadfast companion, shares a similar Southern heritage. In 1905, Claude Hatcher, a pharmacist in Columbus, Georgia, began experimenting with cola recipes in his basement. At a time when many were attempting to emulate the success of Coca-Cola, Hatcher forged his own path, introducing Chero-Cola to the market. Later, in 1924, Royal Crown added Nehi orange and grape sodas to its product line. These fruity concoctions, served ice-cold on a sweltering summer day, were considered a taste of paradise. Following Hatcher’s death in 1933, Chero-Cola was reborn as Royal Crown Cola, embarking on a new chapter in its storied history.

The enduring bond between the MoonPie and RC is celebrated annually in the charming town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, home to the RC and MoonPie Festival. This lighthearted event features live music, craft vendors, and the daring culinary creation of deep-fried MoonPies, attracting visitors from far and wide. Since 1974, MoonPies have also played a prominent role in the Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama. After the city deemed the Cracker Jack boxes traditionally thrown from parade floats too dangerous, MoonPies stepped in as a safer and equally festive alternative. In Oneonta, Alabama, revelers showcase their MoonPie devotion in an annual eating contest, a testament to the sweet treat’s irresistible allure.

The MoonPie‘s cultural significance extends beyond culinary traditions and local festivals. It has been immortalized in music, including a popular song from the 1950s, and has made appearances in films such as The Green Mile. The iconic MoonPie logo adorns a wide array of merchandise, from fishing lures to watches, from tee shirts to toy trucks, demonstrating its pervasive presence in Southern culture. In a recent contest sponsored by the bakery, people shared their personal memories of MoonPies, recounting how the sweet treat had been a part of both joyful and challenging moments in their lives, from cherished childhood memories to shared MoonPies on honeymoons, and even MoonPies sent from home to soldiers serving in Vietnam.

These MoonPie memories are deeply rooted in a time and place when Southerners held a strong sense of regional pride, yet also faced the burden of being different and often isolated from the rest of America. For many in the South, a MoonPie represents a positive memory from a difficult period, a symbol of resilience, community, and the enduring power of simple pleasures.