Classic CandyAmerica’s Favorite Sweets, 1950–80



Whether classics like Hershey’s, Mars and M&Ms or trend-setters like PEZ and Atomic Fireballs, candy has a special place in the hearts and memories of most Americans.

Whether classics like Hershey’s, Mars and M&Ms or trend-setters like PEZ and Atomic Fireballs, candy has a special place in the hearts and memories of most Americans, who to this day consume more than 600 billion pounds of it each year. In this colorful illustrated guide, Darlene Lacey looks at candy in America from a variety of angles, examining everything from chocolate to fruity sweets and from the simply packaged basics to gaudy product tie-ins. She examines the classic brands of the late twentieth century and what they mean, guiding us on a mouth-watering, sugar-fueled trip down a memory lane filled with signposts like Bazooka, Clark, Necco and Tootsie Roll.

Darlene Lacey began collecting candy wrappers in the 1970s and now runs the Candy Wrapper Museum, where wrappers can be enjoyed for their art, nostalgia, and humor. Her story and collection have been featured on radio, TV, magazines and a fine art exhibit exploring the theme of food. A freelance writer and editor, Lacey offers her insights on candy and pop culture for various blogs and sites online. Selected pieces from her collection can be seen at her website, candywrappermuseum.com.

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