James O. Welch Company facts for kids
| Industry | Food processing |
|---|---|
| Fate | Acquired by Nabisco |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Defunct | 1963 |
| Headquarters |
,
United States
|
| Products | Confectionery |
| Owner | James O. Welch (1906-1985) |
The James O. Welch Company was an American company that made many popular candies. James O. Welch (1906–1985) started this company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1927. They created famous treats like Junior Mints, Sugar Daddys, and Sugar Babies.
The Sweet Beginning of Welch's Candies
The James O. Welch Company became well-known for its tasty sweets. Besides the famous ones, they also made Welch's Fudge, Welch's Frappé, Pom Poms, and Sugar Mamas. These candies became favorites for many people across the United States.
Changes for the Company
In 1963, a big company called the National Biscuit Company bought the James O. Welch Company. Today, this company is known as Nabisco. James O. Welch himself became a director at Nabisco and stayed in that role until 1978.
Later, the candy brands from Welch's were sold again. In 1988, they went to a company called Warner-Lambert. Then, in 1993, Tootsie Roll Industries bought them. This means that today, candies like Junior Mints are part of the Tootsie Roll family of sweets!
A Family Connection
James O. Welch had a brother named Robert W. Welch, Jr.. Robert also worked in the candy business. His own candy company, the Oxford Candy Company, faced difficulties during the Great Depression. This was a time in the United States (from 1929 to the late 1930s) when many people lost their jobs and businesses struggled.
After his company closed, Robert W. Welch, Jr. joined his brother at the James O. Welch Company. He worked there until 1956. Later, he used some of the money he earned from the family candy businesses to start a political group. In 1958, he founded the John Birch Society. This group is known for its conservative views.
