Timeless Twinkies: Thanks for the memories, Hostess

CINCINNATI - Has there ever been a time without Twinkies? Believe it or not, yes. Twinkies were introduced in 1930. That's when a bakery manager in the Chicago area wanted to come up with a cheap treat for Depression-era consumers.

As the Tri-State and the rest of the world absorb the news of the Twinkie's demise, we present this quiz. Simply click "next" to advance to answers and new questions.

QUESTION: What type of filling was originally used in Twinkies?

ANSWER: Banana
QUESTION: Why did Hostess change its filling?

ANSWER: When bananas were rationed during WWII, the company switched to vanilla creme.
QUESTION: The Twinkie rose to fame in the 1950s partly due to Hostess sponsoring what show?

ANSWER: "The Howdy Doody Show"
QUESTION: How much did Twinkies cost when first introduced in the 1930s?

ANSWER: A packet of two cost a nickel.
QUESTION: What is the origin of the name "Twinkie?"

ANSWER: Creator James Dewar came up with the name when driving by a billboard that had an ad for the "Twinkle Toe Shoe Company.” He shortened the name to Twinkie.
QUESTION: What was the name of the original company that turned into Hostess?

ANSWER: Interstate Bakeries, founded in Kansas City, Missouri
QUESTION: Which of these is NOT a Hostess product? Ding Dongs, Wonder Bread, Swiss Rolls

ANSWER: Swiss Rolls, a Little Debbie product
QUESTION: How many employees did Hostess have when it folded in November 2012?

ANSWER: According to the company, 18,500 people
QUESTION: How many bakery outlet stores nationwide closed as a result of the Hostess closure?

ANSWER: 570 stores, according to Hostess
• Looking for Twinkies-themed gifts? The online retailer CafePress.com has a selection.
SOURCE: Hostess Brands