Schmidt's Candy facts for kids
Schmidt's Candy is a special shop that makes delicious, handmade chocolates and candies. It first opened in 1925 as a soda fountain, which was like a diner that served drinks and snacks. The shop is located under the elevated train tracks on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, Queens.
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The Sweet History of Schmidt's Candy
In 1925, a company called the BMT started running the "El" (which means elevated train) on Jamaica Avenue. That same year, Frank Schmidt Sr. opened his soda fountain right under the train station at Woodhaven Boulevard. He wanted to make chocolates using old family recipes. He even got some ideas from a helpful guide called '67 tested ways for you to make money'.
Over the years, the business changed. It became famous for making beautiful, handmade chocolates and candies using the best ingredients. The old soda fountain is no longer there, but the display cases from the 1920s still hold trays of yummy treats. Candy jars filled with sweets line the counters, just like they did long ago.
Today, Frank Schmidt Sr.'s granddaughter, Margie Schmidt, runs the shop. She took over from her father, Frank Jr., in 1986.
A Local Landmark in Woodhaven
Schmidt's Candy is a well-known spot in Woodhaven. Inside, you can see many old and new molds used to shape chocolates. There are molds for kewpie dolls, chocolate bunnies, and hearts. You can even build your own gift boxes by choosing your favorite candies.
The counters in the shop have their own history! They originally came from other stores on the avenue, like Meyer Luncheonette and Wilkins Ice Cream parlor. Many of the molds used to create the chocolates are very old, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
A Glimpse into the Past
In the 1940s and 1950s, Jamaica Avenue was bustling with places like soda fountains and ice cream parlors on almost every block. There were many popular spots, including Popp's, Wilken's, Meyer's, Muller's, Grader's, Sam & Rose's, Behren's, Schmidt's, and Wrede's.
However, soda fountains and luncheonettes became less popular in the 1980s. Schmidt's Candy is one of the few places that still feels like those earlier times, almost "frozen in place" under the elevated J train. It's a sweet reminder of history!
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