Wow, what a display! Let’s take a peek at this 100+ year-old antique general store display that housed candy, specifically, Dentyne gum! This display was manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, lived in Baltimore until the 1960s, and was put in storage until it ended up at an antique store in York, Pennsylvania. I got my hands on it when the antique store was downsizing and now it’s part of Jason and Jack’s collection!
An early 1900s general store candy display would be quite a nostalgic and charming sight. During that era, general stores were the heart of small towns and rural communities, offering a variety of goods including candies. Here are some features you might have found in such a display:
Glass Jars and Tins: Candies were often stored in large glass jars or decorative tins. These jars allowed customers to easily see the candies and also helped in keeping the sweets fresh. Tins, on the other hand, often featured colorful and intricate designs.
Variety of Candies: The selection would include a mix of hard candies, chocolates, licorices, and perhaps handmade sweets. Some popular candies of that time were peppermints, lemon drops, and licorice sticks. Chocolates were becoming increasingly popular, though still considered a luxury for many.
Bulk and Pre-Packaged Options: Candies were often sold in bulk, allowing customers to purchase by weight. Some candies might also be pre-packaged in small bags or boxes, but this was less common than today.
Handwritten Labels and Pricing: Prices and labels were usually handwritten on small cards or directly on the jars. The pricing would be quite modest by today’s standards.
Wooden Shelves and Counters: The display would likely be set on wooden shelves and counters, adding to the rustic charm of the store. The wood would be well-worn and polished from years of use.
Seasonal and Holiday Specials: During holidays or special occasions, the candy selection might be expanded or include special items like candy canes during Christmas or heart-shaped chocolates for Valentine’s Day.
Scoop and Paper Bags: Customers would use a metal scoop to select their candies, which would then be weighed and placed in small paper bags.
This display would not only serve as a place to buy sweets but also as a social gathering spot, where people would chat and catch up on local news while making their selections.
