What do old time theaters, old time candy and old memories have in common?  Old time candy isn’t quite as old as you thought.  Come with me as we study the world of old time candy and Nickelodeons.

Let us take a trip back to the early years of the 20^th century.  Vaudeville and stage performances ruled the day.  In June 1905, the Harris Brothers opened the very first Nickelodeon Theater in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  The name came partially from the Greek word “odeion” meaning “roofed over theater”.  Of course, the word “nickel” preceded it since it cost 5 cents to enter.  Because technology had not yet advanced to the synchronized sound era (this was not until the mid to late 1920’s), the serious Nickelodeons had organs or pianos that someone would sit at and add music that they felt would enhance the scene showing at the moment.  They did not offer concessions.  However, many sellers hawked their peanuts and popcorn either right outside the doors, or as allowed, would march up and down the aisles with goods in hand ready to sell their delightful wares at the asking price.  Many other entrepreneurs would open food businesses surrounding the theater hoping people would enjoy their food services either before or after the movies. As with all great things, the Nickelodeon era soon ended with the growth of cities and industry giving rise to improved theaters. When the nickelodeons started dying out, they actually started becoming hostile to the “food environment”, thinking that ticket sales were being hurt by it!

With the changes that have taken place, from Nickelodeons to renting DVD’s at home, feel free to indulge in your favorite old time candy.

Wholesalers welcome

Jim Hiigel

www.nostalgic-candy.net