William C. Crocker was an early director of the Gold Medal Flour Company and, after a fashion, the father of Betty Crocker.

In 1921, the flour company held a contest. Those who completed a Gold Medal puzzle could send it in and receive a pin cushion. Along with the pin cushion the company sent a letter of congratulations, which they thought should be signed by a woman, the kind of woman who could work magic with Gold Medal Flour and an oven. They liked the idea of "Crocker" for a last name, with all its connotations of cooking. Finally "Betty" was chosen, because it had a homey feel.

The famous "signature" that appears on boxes of Betty Crocker products today was the winner of a contest among office employees.

By 1945, a survey showed that Betty Crocker was the second-best-known woman in America after First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt-not bad for someone who never existed!