Could the Pillsbury Doughboy “Poppin’ Fresh” have been born right here in Springfield? Chris Richmond with Moving Pillsbury Forward says a drawing of the doughboy was found on an equipment panel in the 1949 era bakery mix building inside the old Pillsbury plant that is currently undergoing demolition.

Richmond says after talking to former plant employees and locals, the doughboy may have originated from a worker who liked to sketch doughboys and leave them around the plant.  Richmond says his sources tell him that the sketch artist put the drawing in a company suggestion box and may have been paid some money for his drawing.   Leo Burnett, a Chicago ad agency, is credited with creating the Pillsbury Doughboy.

Hear the full interview with Chris Richmond from Moving Pillsbury Forward on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.