One of America’s favorite snack foods is said to have originated on this date in 1853 near Saratoga Springs, New York. The chef at Moon’s Lake House, George Crum, was irritated at a customer who sent back his fried potatoes several times, saying they were too thick and soggy. Crum decided to slice potatoes wafer thin and stir-fry them. The customer was delighted, and so-called Saratoga chips became famous. The true origin of potato chips is unknown, but they are descended from french fries, which preparation Thomas Jefferson is reputed to have introduced in America. Snack food manufacturing, potato chips included, is a multi-billion dollar a year business for 606 establishments employing more than 51,000 people. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.