Collections Menu

CANDY WRAPPER

Dimensions6.8 x 4.6 cm (2 11/16 x 1 13/16 in.)
Object numberHF.2022.1.2.3
DescriptionA red and partially white paper wrapper for Ganong's candies with "A.B. Gums" stamped onto the bottom half. A rusted staple is present at center-left.
Narrative
This Ganong package was discovered along with a collection of other candy wrappers during renovations at a former Lebanese grocery store on the corner of Pownal and Richmond Streets in Charlottetown. The owners were still in contact with the daughters of Saied and Esma Kays, the owners of the grocers. When the daughters saw the pile of candy wrappers, they shared how when they used to help their parents in the store, they would partake in some candy tasting and then hide the wrappers in an opening underneath the countertop to avoid being caught.

Ganong is Canada's oldest chocolate and candy company. Established in 1873 at St. Stephen, New Brunswick, by brothers, James and Gilbert Ganong. The company went on to have many firsts including making the first wrapped chocolate bar, producing lozenges and lollipops and even introducing heart shaped Valentine's Day boxes to Canada. Their AB (All Baking) Gums became an integral part of a Maritime baking classic, the gum drop cake. Ganong is the longest standing family-owned and operated chocolate company.