Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America's Candy Capital: New Exhibit at the West Chicago City Museum
West Chicago, Illinois: June 17, 2013 - The West Chicago City Museum hosts Sweet Home Chicago: The History of America's Candy Capital from June 19 - August 24, 2013. This traveling exhibit from the Elmhurst Historical Museum, a department of the City of Elmhurst, Illinois, tells the story of the candy industry in the Chicagoland area. West Chicago's own sweet treat producers will also be featured.
In conjunction with this exhibit, Leslie Goddard will present “Chicago's Sweet Candy History” on Thursday, June 20th at 7:00p.m. at the City Museum. For most of its history, Chicago produced about one-third of the nations' candy. The city has called itself the Candy Capital of America since the turn of the century. Familiar names of the candies made or invented here include Brach's caramels, Mars Snickers bars, Wrigley's gum, Cracker Jack, Curtiss Baby Ruth bars, Tootsie Rolls, Frango Mints, Dove chocolates.
Learn some of the history behind these tasty treats and explore what made Chicago such a powerful location for candymakers. The presentation is based on Goddard's book, Chicago's Sweet Candy History, published by Arcadia Publishing in 2012. Book sales and signings will be available in conjunction with this talk. Space is limited so it's best to reserve a spot by calling (630) 231-3376 or by emailing musueum@westchicago.org.