Part 2/11:
During the 1880s, several milling companies merged into the American Grain Company, aggressively promoting oatmeal as a healthy, convenient breakfast option. By 1901, this corporation rebranded itself as the Quaker Oats Company, revolutionizing breakfast habits nationwide. Instead of scooping oats from dusty open barrels at local markets, Americans began purchasing hygienic, packaged oats—marking a significant shift in food industry standards. For the Douglas family, this innovation was more than just headlines; it became the foundation of their wealth and influence.