Redmon's Candy Factory: Route 66 - Celebrate National Candy Day

Today, November 4th, we celebrate the sweet holiday, National Candy Day. Candies have a long history of attracting us with their bright colors and delightful sweet flavors. They also come in a variety of fun sizes and shapes. But, do you know the history of candy?

In the late 13th century, Middle English first began using the word candy. Borrowed from the Old French cucre candi, it is derived from Persian Qand and Qandi, cane sugar. People have used the term candy as a broad category. We treat candy bars, chocolates, licorice, sour candies, salty candies, tart candies, hard candies, taffies, gumdrops, marshmallows, and a whole lot more as candy.

However, sugar was not always readily available. So instead, people made the first candies from honey. Candymakers coated nuts, fruits, and flowers with honey. This method preserved the flowers and nuts or created forms of candy. Today, we still create these confections, but we typically use them as a garnish.

Originally a form of medicine, candy calmed the digestive system or cooled a sore throat. At that time, combined with spices and sugar, candy only appeared in the purses and the dishes of the wealthy. By the 18th century, the first candy likely came to America from Britain and France. At the time, people made the simplest form of candy from crystallized sugar – rock candy. However, even the most basic form of sugar was considered a luxury and only attainable by the wealthy. Since 1979, the world has produced more sugar than can be sold, making it attainable and cheap.

With the advent of the industrial revolution, many advances improved the availability of sugar. By the 1830s, markets opened, and the candy business underwent a drastic change. Not only did the price of candy drop, but penny candies targeted children.

Candy History Timeline

1847 – Oliver R. Chase invents and patents the first candy press in America. The Boston inventor’s creation made making different lozenge shapes possible

1851 – Confectioners begin using a revolving steam pan to assist in boiling sugar.

1897 – William Morrison and John C. Wharton from Nashville invent the first cotton candy machine. At the time, the fluffy puffs of spun sugar were called Fairy Floss.

Redmon’s Candy Factory

Redmon's Candy FactoryHeather Raulerson

What a fabulous sweet treat I had to come across Redmon’s Candy Factory off of Route 66. I have a huge sweet tooth, and to find this place while on my road trip, I was excited to see what they had to offer. Walking into Redmon’s was like stepping into the past to my penny candy days. When my sisters and I were kids, we would hop on our bikes and pedal to the penny candy store by our subdivision with our allowance to stock up on treats. Redmon’s offers the same type of candies I remember as a child.

Candy Barrels at Redmon's Candy FactoryHeather Raulerson

Walking into the store, you see bushel barrels filled with candies. There are Mary Janes, Salt Water Taffy, Starbursts, Smarties, Hershey’s Chocolates, Suckers, Lemonheads, Jolly Ranchers, and so many more that I haven’t even heard of before. Toward the back of the store is a row of fridges stocked full of Old-fashioned bottles of soda or pop (as us Michiganders say).

Old Fashioned Drinks at Redmon's Candy FactoryHeather Raulerson

The other half of the store has barrels of saltwater taffy in flavors that would surprise you. And don’t forget to check out their chocolate fudge section—everything you would want to satisfy your sweet tooth for your journey.

Saltwater Taffy in Redmon's Candy FactoryHeather Raulerson

Redmon’s was established in 1995 by John and Sharon Redmon. Their mission was to create a fun, clean, and comfortable stop for everyone. They have an onsite candy kitchen where they produce gourmet chocolates and homemade fudge that you can observe through a window. They have over 70 flavors of mouthwatering saltwater taffy, over 20 flavors of delicious homemade fudge, over 70 flavors of bulk candy, and so much more.

Inside Redmon's Candy FactoryHeather Raulerson

Favorite Unforgettable Candies

M & M’s – Forrest Mars, Sr., and William Murrie developed these milk chocolate drops with the colorful candy coating following the Spanish Civil War. They stamped the new candy with the initials of their surnames. In 1941, they debuted the candies, and soon after, American soldiers serving in the Second World War received them as part of their rations.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – Hershey’s company first manufactured these round chocolate disks filled with sweet, creamy peanut butter filling in 1928.

Christmas Candies – These hard candies come in the shape of ribbons or lozenges (thank you, Oliver R. Chase!) and add a sweet, colorful memory to the holiday season.

Necco Wafers – Despite being chalky and not too sweet, this candy still tops many people’s lists.

PEZ – Not only does this tiny candy hit the sweet spot, but it also comes with a dispenser that often represents other iconic and inspirational characters.

Lifesavers – Another hard candy, this sweet circular lozenge with a hole in it finds its way into mom’s purse, and the stocking hung on the mantel.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCandyDay

Four days after Halloween, you should be able to celebrate this day. Either you have leftover candy or can sneak some of your kid’s stash to celebrate. You can also scan the sales of Halloween candy at your local stores. Or, invite some friends to enjoy their favorite candies with you! While you’re celebrating, make sure to use #NationalCandyDay to post on social media.

Happy National Candy Day, everyone!