Schmidt's Candy facts for kids
Schmidt's Candy is a special shop that makes and sells delicious, handmade chocolates and candies. It started way back in 1925 as a soda fountain (a place that sold ice cream sodas and snacks) right under the elevated train tracks on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, Queens.
The Sweet History of Schmidt's Candy
In 1925, a company called the BMT started running the "El" (elevated train) on Jamaica Avenue. That same year, Frank Schmidt Sr. opened his soda fountain. It was located right under the train station at Woodhaven Boulevard. Frank wanted to use old family recipes for his chocolates. He even found a business guide called '67 tested ways for you to make money'!
Over the years, the business changed. It slowly became known for its amazing handmade chocolates and candies. The old soda fountain is gone now. But the shop still uses special display cases from the Prohibition Era (a time when alcohol was banned). These cases now hold trays of yummy treats. Candy jars full of sweets line the counters.
Today, Frank Schmidt's granddaughter, Margie Schmidt, runs the shop. She took over in 1986 from her father, Frank Jr.
A Local Landmark in Woodhaven
Schmidt's Candy is a famous spot in Woodhaven. It has many unique molds, both new and old. You can find chocolate kewpie dolls, bunnies, and hearts. You can also build your own gift boxes, filling them with your favorite candies.
The counters in the shop are also old! They came from other stores that used to be on the avenue, like Meyer Luncheonette and Wilkins Ice Cream Parlor. Many of the molds used to make the chocolates are very old too, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Jamaica Avenue was full of soda fountains and ice cream parlors. There was one on almost every block! But by the 1980s, these types of shops became less popular. Schmidt's Candy is one of the few places left that reminds people of those earlier times. It's like a sweet step back in time, right under the elevated J train.
