When I was a little girl living on the farm, we used to go up the hill to Sam and Sibyl Carey's house. There Sam would let us children have a sample of Horehound candy; a cross between tea, molasses and root beer. I loved it and savored it, as candy wasn't something we had often back in the 1960's.In a nearby town at a small dollar store, I found this beloved sweet hanging on a rack amidst the Twizzlers, Lifesavers and Starbursts. It is my choice of candy over the newer tastes with their bright colors and fancy packaging. I'm not sure if it's because of the actual flavor or because of the loving memories associated with its introduction into my life. You cannot find it at the large superstores or name brand shops. But once in awhile it shows up at the hardware or tractor supply stores; places that too, bring back fond moments of childhood.
I took some to school so some of the students could try them. Most made a face and threw them away, but one or two enjoyed their unique flavor. Like the Littmus Lozenge in the book, Because of Winn Dixie, it carries something extra underneath its sugar-coating. For me that is simpler times on the farm, the innocent joy of childhood and the love of good neighbors.
And all that in a small piece of candy...
7 comments:
My Mom's Mom's Mom (talk about bad English) was born in Crane, MO in the 1880's and moved to Kansas City with her family on a wagon in her teens. I was lucky enough to have her live until I was 16.
If you had a cough or a sore throat, horehound candy was the cure that both she and her daughter would reach for. Grandma used to buy it by the sackful when she found it, just to have it on hand...
alan
I have the same feelings about "Flicks". Flicks were chocolate drops, like Hersey Kisses, but with out the wrapping. Them came in a cardboard tube wrapped closed in a kind of tin foil. I hadn't seen any for 30 years until last Christmas when Santa was giving them out at a new mall in town. What great memories they brought back!
You know just now when I read your post about that old fashioned candy I had a memory lane moment myself. I remember when I'd ride to town with my dad on Saturdays and we'd go to the feed store to get grain for our horses...they'd have that candy hanging there. I'd completely forgot about that. I love how that happens..how moments come back to you from some simple little thing.
thanks for sharing.
OH! I can taste it right now! My mouth wants some too! On my next trip of errands, I will look for some of these for sure! Talk about a trip down memory lane......thanks, once again, my dear, sweet friend!
Hugs
Oh I remember these....I haven't had those in YEARS!
I remember going to the one of the local country stores and being handed fifty cents to buy all of the candy I wanted. I always used to walk out with a small paper bag filled with swedish fish, stixlets and other penny candies.
I don't even think they make "penny candy" any longer as I'm sure it's all at least 2 cents or more a piece!
Thanks for the reminder : -)
Lori, isn't it fun to bump into sentimental pieces of your childhood? I loved this post and look forward to keeping up with your writing this year.
We have two bags of horehound in the pantry right now....Mom loves it for a scratchy throat.
Me, my childhood favorite are Mallo Cups... yum, yum, yum, yum, yum.
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