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.

Ziegler's Demon Lunch Candy Box (1911) by Ziegler's Candy CompanyChudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

Zeigler's Demon Lunch

In 1861, German immigrant George Zeigler founded his candy company in a factory on Water Street in Milwaukee.

Ziegler's Chocolates Box (1911) by Ziegler's Candy CompanyChudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

Ziegler's Candy Company

In 1902, this Milwaukee company was moved to a larger factory on Florida street until 1972.

Ziegler's Chocolates Box (1911) by Ziegler's Candy CompanyChudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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 Factory (1912) by Commercial Milwaukee Year Book 1912Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

American Candy Company

In 1884, Louis & Nicholas Kuhn and August Budde founded the company on Water street in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. 

American Candy Co. High Life Mixture box (1900s) by American Candy Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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. 

American Candy Co. Milady Chocolates box (1911) by Cardboard box which once contained Milady of Quality chocolates. Copyright 1911 by American Candy Co. Milwaukee. Guaranteed by American Co. under Food and Drugs Act June 30, 1906. Serial No. 6048Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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.

American Candy Co. Rex Chocolates box (1910s) by American Candy Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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. 

American Candy Co. Rex Butterscotch box (1910s) by American Candy Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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. Chocolates box (1900s) by American Candy Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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 Milwaukee Tray (1940's) by Ambrosia Chocolate Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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 (1912) by Commercial Milwaukee Year Book 1912Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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 Candies and Chocolate (1935) by JohnstonChudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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. 

Twenty-Odd Chocolates and Other Candies (1930's) by JohnstonChudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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. Box (1910s) by Badger Candy Co.Chudnow Collection at the Cedarburg History Museum

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.

Credits: Story

Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

Museum Associate:

Brendan Ouimet

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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Milwaukee: Fiercely Independent, Wholly Unexpected
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