A brief look at some of the companies and brands that made Milwaukee sweet. Germans love chocolate and it is the same for German-Americans. At one time a large and vibrant industry produced it in great quantities for Milwaukee.
Zeigler's Demon Lunch
In 1861, German immigrant George Zeigler founded his candy company in a factory on Water Street in Milwaukee.
Ziegler's Candy Company
In 1902, this Milwaukee company was moved to a larger factory on Florida street until 1972.
Ziegler's Candy Company
In 1920 some of Ziegler's popular candies were Fine Crystallized Gum Drops, Midget Marshmallows, Princess and Champion Chocolates, and Cream City and Mastodon Caramels.
American Candy Company
In 1884, Louis & Nicholas Kuhn and August Budde founded the company on Water street in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.
High Life
American Candy Co's High Life was named after a popular slogan in the early 20th century that reflected the growing middle class and its increased enjoyment of luxuries. Another Milwaukee brand to use the slogan was Miller's High Life beer.
Milady
Yet another offering from the American Candy Company of Milwaukee. The Milady line of chocolates were small, decorative pieces of fine chocolates marketed toward women. This particular box of Milady has a decorative look that reflects this marketing.
Rex
The Rex line of chocolate is the best known brand from Milwaukee's American Candy Co. They would sell chocolate or caramel in bulk in this brand. "Rex" indicating that it was a king-size quantity.
Rex Butter Scotch
The American Candy Co is best known for creating Fun Gum Sugar Lips, or better known as wax lips. Just another Milwaukee innovation.
American Candy Co.
From 1902 to 1939 the company operated out of its Milwaukee location, until it moved to Selma, Alabama in 1939. It is now a division of the Tootsie Roll company.
Ambrosia Chocolate
Ambrosia Chocolate was founded in 1894 in downtown Milwaukee by Otto Schoenleber. Ambrosia produced chocolate in large amounts as opposed to candy bar brand companies. Ambrosia has sold its chocolate to other candy companies to use, such as in Chips Ahoy's chocolate chips and Keebler cookies.
Ambrosia Factory
The Ambrosia Chocolate Co. factory was located on North 5th Street, near the Milwaukee Bucks basketball arena. Throughout the 20th century, chocolate was sold exclusively at its downtown shop in Milwaukee and outlet store in Kenosha. There you could buy their milk chocolate in bulk, or their single brand of candy bar, the "Trixie".
Johnston Confectionery and Cracker Company
In 1840, Alexander H. Johnson immigrated from Scotland and soon made his way to Milwaukee where he started a bakery. The company Johnston started went on to grow into one of the largest Midwestern baking companies.
Johnston and Milwaukee
Johnston has been a special brand to the people of Milwaukee. In the 1950's the company printed baseball cards for the Milwaukee Braves and baked girl scout cookies for the region. The Johnston family has been an important family in its donations that earned its name on the oldest building of the Marquette University campus.
Badger Candy Co.
The Badger Candy Company was a Milwaukee-based candy company that sold throughout Wisconsin and in Minnesota. In the early 20th century, their products were delivered by a fleet of horse drawn wagons from their factory on North Plankinton Avenue.
Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Museum Associate:
Brendan Ouimet
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