in the early 1900s, George Smith made a living selling candy on a stick. As competition was fierce, he endeavored to find a marketing twist which would differentiate his own product from many others.

One day, he took a break from work to visit the track. Having placed a large amount of money on a certain horse, he was delighted to see it win -- and named his candy "Lollipops" in honor of the victor (Lolly Pop).