Article updated: 5/30/2012 11:50 AM

Elmhurst exhibit explores Chicago's Candy Land past

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Eighth-graders from St. Mary of Gostyn School in Downers Grove get an introduction to "Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America's Candy Capital" at the Elmhurst Historical Museum from museum curator Lance Tawzer.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

Mars made favorite candy bars such as Snickers, Milky Way and 3 Musketeers, which originally came in three pieces with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry fillings.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

Cracker Jack gained exposure at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, but was not named until 1896.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

Allyson Lederman, left, and Gianna Sansone, second from left, see how fast they can wrap at the Twisted Candy Challenge.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

This advertisement is for one of Wrigley's favorite gum flavors.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

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Eighth-graders from St. Mary of Gostyn school in Downers Grove laugh while they watch Lucille Ball try to wrap candy on an assembly line in an episode from the "I Love Lucy" TV show.

Scott Sanders | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Chicago has been called America's candy capital since the late 1800s and has been the home of such iconic names as Snickers, Tootsie Rolls, Lemonheads and Cracker Jack. "Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America's Candy Capital," a new exhibit at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, tells how and why so many candy makers came to craft their confections in Chicago.