When did tuna noodle casserole become popular?

It's hard to pinpoint an exact date for when tuna noodle casserole became popular, but here's what we can say:

* Early versions: Tuna casserole recipes existed in the early 20th century, appearing in cookbooks and magazines.

* Post-World War II boom: The popularity of tuna noodle casserole likely took off in the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with the post-war economic boom in the US.

* This was a time when:

* Convenience foods were becoming increasingly popular.

* Tuna was relatively inexpensive and widely available.

* Women were entering the workforce in increasing numbers, leading to the need for quick and easy meals.

* Cultural impact: The casserole's popularity reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a staple in American homes and a symbol of "comfort food."

* It was often served at potlucks and family gatherings.

* Modern popularity: Tuna noodle casserole still holds a place in American cuisine today, although its popularity has waned somewhat.

* It is still frequently served in school cafeterias and at home, but it is not as ubiquitous as it once was.

Therefore, we can say that tuna noodle casserole's popularity peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, but its roots lie in the early 20th century, with its rise coinciding with the post-war economic boom and the increasing demand for convenient and affordable meals.