In 1921, Russell Stover, a superintendent for an Omaha ice cream company, met Christian Nelson. Nelson was a failed entrepreneur who was earning $20 a week racking balls in a pool hall. He had hoped to make his fortune selling a chocolate-covered ice cream bar, which he called the "I-Scream" bar.

Stover liked the idea and agreed to form a partnership with Nelson. Stover's first act as a partner was to change the bar's name to "Eskimo Pie."

With the new name, it was a stunning success. There was only one problem. Copycats around the country began selling their own "Eskimo Pies," and Stover and Nelson spent most of their time and money in court trying to defend the rights to their patent.

Stover soon tired of the battle and sold his half of the company to his partner. With the money, he opened a candy store in Denver and was soon a success selling boxed chocolates.