In the late 1880s, William Wright, a Chicago baking powder salesman, became certain a better quality baking powder product would sell despite new processed foods.

1889 Wright formulated CALUMET, double-acting baking powder in Chicago.  It's named after Calumet City. Calumet is an Indian name for a peace pipe and for this reason the Indian chief chosen for trademark.  Calumet first used the slogan "Baker's best and always pleases," around 1920-1929.  The product was already being marketed in cans at this time.

In 1929, Calumet became a brand under GENERAL FOODS.  In 1985, Phillip Morris Companies Inc. purchased General Foods and in 1988, Kraft, Inc. became part of the Phillip Morris Companies, Inc.