Wartime Candy

[davep]

I'm working on my "candy impression" I already have period correct M&M's and an online source, althrough they are expensive at $4.00 plus shipment. But here are some cheaper options which in some case need no dressing up, in the case of Chicklets gum. And with some simple graphics and the templates on the hardscramble site, can be turned into period correct reproductions very easily. Add this together with our unit's mail call, and army documents, and we're sure to feel back in time

[barcelonablom]

What about Juicy Fruit? I think it came in a white and green striped wrapper back then. Well it was rescinded for commercial sale for the war effort, since some of the things used in chewing gum have more direct military impact in other forms. But it was one of many ration gums.

[davep]

The one thing with hersery bars, is only the large mega bars come wrapped in tin foil. The smaller sizes have no tin foil. The Hardscramble "paperwork" site does have the wrappers. As for wrigley's gum, the problem there is packaging. Most gum is now coming out in slim packs or 20 packs, so it is more difficult to make a close to period correct version.

Also I was looking for candy which people are not necessarily familar with unless you study the period. For example, there is an old time soda and candy store. The Lady had all sort of great candy from the past, but no "charms".

Another example of oldtime candy which most of you are not aware of is CHowards.
www.chowardcompany.com/companyprofile.htm


Another one many older guys are familar with is Necco Wafers. But many young guys, may have seen them, but never eaten them



Necco wafers are surprisingly durable and resistant to shock and heat, making them an ideal candy to ship over long distances. In the 1930s, Admiral Robert Byrd took 2.5 tons of the candy to the South Pole for him and his men to help them survive. During WWII, most of the wafers Necco produced were shipped to the troops overseas.

By handing out candy which guys are not so familar with eating, the experience of eating these candy products at an event, with make it unque to the WW2 Reenacting. Thereby making it a more real experience that a soldier may have experienced.

[kanowarrior]

Galco in Los Angeles specializes in old time sodas, beer and candies. It's an old family grocery store that adapted by finding a niche market. Look for some of these things locally.

Coca Cola became so famous after the war effort because they created mobile bottling plants that they supplied to the troops in all theaters of war. That is why Coca Cola became so well known all over the world so quickly and well. The entire world was drinking Coca Cola thanks to WWII.

www.coca-colaconversations.com/my_weblog/2008/11/coke-and-the-us.html

[davep]

Another item to add to the list is Cracker Jacks, it too was supplied to the troops overseas