Old fashioned candy has a deep sentimental value. These treats remind us of
simpler and more carefree times. Candy evokes memories of a time when life was more innocent and peaceful. From a pair of wax lips to a strand candy necklace, we hold a special place in our hearts for our favorite candy. Candy can make a hard say a little sweeter.
The purpose of my blog…The Sweet History, is to capture the enthusiasm of candy lovers everywhere and to share with you, the our favorite candies and the art and history behind them. So grab a handful of jelly beans, a box of Dots, or a Snickers Bar and take a sweet journey with me…but whatever you do-don’t forget to share!!!
Did you know that many of the iconic candy bars that were popular in the 50’s are still on shelves throughout the world today? Many of these bars were made in the 20’s and 30’s and were marketed as “meal replacement bars” and “energy bars”. Originally called Kandy Kake, Otto Schnering thought his popular candy bar needed a new name. In a 1920s Curtiss Candy company contest, an employee suggested Baby Ruth, supposedly not for the Babe Ruth of baseball, but for the daughter of President, Grover Cleveland.
A 1980s candy, Wacky Wafers, along with Nerds and Tart N Tiny, were Wonka
candy 1980s heavy hitters. 1980s Lik-M-Aid, flavored sugar with a candy dipping stick, is now called Fun Dip and still a Wonka top seller!
Necco, or New England Candy Company produces their famous Necco Wafer but also bought along the way the Clark Bar, Sky Bar, and Mary Jane to round out their classic offering. Many 3 and 4 generation owned candy companies produce a variety of classic candy and there are still many of them in operation today. They are unique American companies for the most part and they continue to sell their product not simply for great wealth but also for the love and tradition of it.
Through wars, recessions, buy-outs, family turmoil, and sugar shortages, companies continued to produce their candy. I will profile the companies that were often started by immigrant entrepreneurs who came to North America with little money, often only a simple recipe and a huge sweet dream. My Grand Father was one of these immigrants who made the long journey from Greece with his large copper candy pots and a handful of recipes with hope to make a new and prosperous life for him and his family. He settled in Ottawa, Ontario and in time, opened his candy shop and called it Diana’s Sweets…. Diana being the mythical “goddess of sweets” .