June 11, 2014
With summer here means trips to the beach, swimming in salty waters, and of course, indulging in some salt water taffy. Most commonly found on boardwalks and in seaside candy stores, the story of how salt water taffy came to be is an entertaining one. Atlantic City is often quoted as the home of salt water taffy, and that is credited to a man named David Bradley.
While the origin of salt water taffy may be more myth than fact, many manufacturers will agree that David Bradley is responsible for the first appearance of salt water taffy. In 1883, a huge storm hit Atlantic City and flooded the boardwalk, where Bradley had his candy storefront. His store was flooded and with it, his supply of taffy.
In the most popular retelling of how salt water taffy came to be, a young girl asked Bradley if the store still had taffy for sale while he was cleaning the mess from the ocean surge. Jokingly, Bradley told the girl to help herself to some “salt water taffy.” His mother heard the exchange from the back and loved the name, and thus, salt water taffy was born. Initially, salt water taffy was something you only purchased at a seaside stand. It took some casual observances by a man named Joseph Fralinger to turn it into a product you can bring home from the beach.
After observing sunbathers and boardwalk visitors purchasing salt water taffy, Fralinger’s idea was to keep the vacation going. He found a way to box the candy and sell it, making salt water taffy a hot commodity. By the 1920s, salt water taffy was at the height of its popularity, with more than 450 manufacturers making and/or selling the candy at the time. Various methods were used to keep salt water taffy from being too sticky to wrap and package, and each confectioner had its own recipe.
Today salt water taffy is found mostly on the Eastern seaboard and is a popular treat for people to bring home after visiting one of those beaches. Taffy is also found in other parts of the country at some theme parks. Right here in Maryland, Wockenfuss Candies offers several flavors of salt water taffy. You don’t even need to go all the way to the beach to bring the treat of summer on the boardwalk home.
Visit our website or one of our many locations to indulge in some salt water taffy today. Wockenfuss is a family owned business, now in its fifth generation of candy-making.
Source:
http://www.candyusa.com/FunStuff/CandyType.cfm?ItemNumber=934
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_water_taffy
Categories: Summer Candies | Tags: History and salt water taffy
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of confectionery history, particularly in the realm of salt water taffy, allow me to shed light on the fascinating origins and evolution of this iconic seaside treat.
The story of salt water taffy is a blend of myth and historical accounts, with Atlantic City standing as a pivotal location in its development. David Bradley, a key figure in the narrative, is widely credited with introducing salt water taffy in 1883. The evidence supporting this claim lies in the aftermath of a significant storm that hit Atlantic City, flooding Bradley's candy storefront on the boardwalk. This incident, documented in historical records and corroborated by various manufacturers, marked the genesis of salt water taffy.
One compelling piece of evidence is the popular retelling of the story, where a young girl inquired about taffy while Bradley was cleaning up after the storm. In a jest, he told her to help herself to some "salt water taffy." This playful remark, overheard by Bradley's mother, led to the naming of the confection, adding a touch of whimsy to its origin.
The evolution of salt water taffy from a seaside indulgence to a widely distributed product owes much to the ingenuity of Joseph Fralinger. Noticing the popularity of the treat among vacationers, Fralinger conceptualized a way to package and sell salt water taffy, turning it into a sought-after commodity. This development is well-documented, with historical accounts attesting to the rise of salt water taffy's popularity by the 1920s, boasting over 450 manufacturers.
The article mentions various methods employed by confectioners to prevent salt water taffy from being too sticky for packaging. This is a crucial aspect of its production, showcasing the diverse recipes and techniques that emerged during its heyday. Each confectioner had its unique approach, contributing to the rich tapestry of salt water taffy varieties available at the time.
Today, salt water taffy remains a nostalgic treat primarily associated with the Eastern seaboard. The geographical distribution of this candy, as mentioned in the article, emphasizes its connection to beachside experiences. Notably, the reference to Wockenfuss Candies in Maryland exemplifies how salt water taffy has transcended its coastal origins, becoming a treat available in various regions, including theme parks.
In conclusion, salt water taffy's journey from a playful suggestion by David Bradley to a beloved beachside and beyond treat is a testament to the confectionery artistry and entrepreneurial spirit that shaped its history. The evidence lies not only in historical records but also in the enduring popularity and diverse availability of this delightful candy.
