Curtiss Candy Company facts for kids
The Curtiss Candy Company was a famous company that made popular candy bars. It was started in 1916 by Otto Schnering near Chicago, Illinois. Schnering wanted an "American-sounding" name for his company. This was because of strong feelings against Germany during World War I. So, he used his mother's maiden name, Curtiss.
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History of Curtiss Candy
The first candy from Curtiss was called Kandy Kake. In 1920, it was changed into the log-shaped Baby Ruth candy bar. This candy became very well-known.
In 1926, Curtiss introduced another popular candy. This was the chocolate-covered peanut butter crunch bar called Butterfinger. Both Baby Ruth and Butterfinger are still enjoyed today.
Curtiss Candy also found fun ways to promote its candies. In 1931, they sponsored a famous air racer named John H. Livingston. He flew planes in airshows as part of the Baby Ruth Aerobatic Team. During World War II, a Curtiss candy called Jolly Jack was even given to soldiers as part of their army rations.
Changes in Ownership
Over the years, the Curtiss Candy Company changed owners several times. In 1964, a company called Standard Brands bought Curtiss. Later, in 1981, Standard Brands joined with Nabisco. Then, in 1990, RJR Nabisco sold the Curtiss candy brands, including Baby Ruth and Butterfinger, to Nestlé.
The Candy Factory
The factory where Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candies were made was built in the 1960s. It is located in Franklin Park, Illinois. You can see a large, spinning sign near the factory from Interstate 294. This sign looks like a giant candy bar. It used to say "Curtiss Baby Ruth" on one side and "Curtiss Butterfinger" on the other. After Nestlé bought the company, the sign was changed to say "Nestlé."
For many years, a "Curtiss Baby Ruth" sign was also on an apartment building across from Wrigley Field in Chicago. Wrigley Field is a famous baseball stadium.
Popular Curtiss Candies
Curtiss Candy Company made many different kinds of candies over the years. While Baby Ruth and Butterfinger were their most famous, they also had other treats.
Well-Known Candies
- Baby Ruth
- Butterfinger
- Jolly Jack
- Kandy Kake
- Peppermint Patty
- Safe-T-Pops
