He was asked by a German Women's League social group in Minneapolis to make something for their meeting cakes. “Bund” means league in German. He added the “t” to the end to make it not a German term, and “Bund” was also associated with the Nazi's.
It didn't become famous until some lady won the Pillsbury cake contest using the pan - late 50’s or early 60’s?? Then Nordic Ware and Pillsbury got together to promote the pan and the Pillsbury products.
Nordic Ware also invented the “Micro-Go-Round”. The battery operated carousal that went into the early microwaves to spin the food around so it would cook evenly.
Oops. I guess I should have read the article where they talk about the Pillsbury contest in 1963!