Tacoma Historical Society to Open New Exhibit: “Sweet Success”

WHAT:   Tacoma Historical Society will open its newest exhibit, “Sweet Success,” highlighting Tacoma’s “sweet” history of candy manufacturing.

WHEN:   Free Exhibit Opening Reception: Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 6:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: Tacoma Historical Society Museum, 919 Pacific Avenue in the historic Provident Building

DURATION:  The exhibit will be on display from December 2, 2015 through March 26, 2016.  Museum hours are 11 am to 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free and donations are welcomed.

Mention candy manufacturing in Tacoma and the Brown & Haley Company comes to mind, along with the Hilltop institution of Johnson Candy. However, in the early 1900s Tacoma was one of a select few ideal locations for candy manufacturing in the United States due to a mild climate, low elevation, and the ready availability of shipping options. Although the importance of Tacoma's mild climate declined with the development of refrigerated rail cars or "reefers" in the 1920s, Tacoma has remained a hub of candy manufacturing. Based on research by intern Brendan Balaam, this exhibit explores the historic significance of these companies, now thought to number more than seventy-five.

"Determining starting dates for these companies has been difficult,” said Bill Baarsma, Tacoma Historical Society president. “Many gradually evolved from a soda fountain, ice cream shop, or small kitchen industry. We were surprised to learn how many candy companies chose to manufacture in Tacoma, producing high-quality products despite facing challenges.”

###

About Tacoma Historical Society:  Tacoma Historical Society is a volunteer-supported 501(c)(3) charitable, nonprofit corporation, and is dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presentation of the history of the City of Tacoma and its people. Tacoma Historical Society works to forge connections between past and present generations, fostering an appreciation of the past and a sense of place within our community’s history.  www.tacomahistory.org