Chicle, the key ingredient in chewing gum, was in high demand in the US in the late 1890s. As such it became an important source of income to San Pedranos during that era. With the defeat of the rebellious Maya in Yucatan in 1901, the previously unexploited sapodilla stands of Quintana Roo were opened to the chicle industry. Ambergris Caye was ideally situated to benefit from the expansion of the chicle industry in Quintana Roo, and San Pedro became something of a boom town as a result. Contractors for Mexico who recruited residents of the Caye were quickly followed by contractors from Ambergris Caye including George James Parham and Anastacio Alamilla. The contractors advanced money to the workers, known as chicleros, to support their families while they were away and for buying tools, groceries, and supplies. At the end of the season which lasted 6 to 8 months, the chicle was sold to the contractor who deducted all advances and credits. Often, the chicleros ended indebted to the contractor and were compelled by law to cover their debts by working with the same contractor the following season, The chicle business remained prosperous until the 1930s when it collapsed due to the development of synthetic substitutes for use in chewing gum and the effects of the Great Depression.