Open Thread: The End of Penny Candy
On November 12, the US Mint produced the last penny. This marks the end of an era for a currency that has been in circulation since 1793. The penny has been woven into the fabric of our culture, inspiring phrases like “Penny for your thoughts” and “pennies from heaven.”
However, what resonates most with me is the nostalgic loss of penny candy.
One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around the thrill of penny candy. It was my first taste of an ‘adult’ transaction. At John’s grocery store on Third Street, jars filled with colorful penny candies lined the marble counter near the register. Sometimes, I would cash in Coke bottles for their deposits, while other times I managed to scrounge a few cents from my mom. Regardless of how I acquired the money, the experience of shopping, selecting, and paying for my own treats was exhilarating—especially when I occasionally received change back.
This experience was far more intoxicating than when my parents paid for my goodies.
FAVORITES!
Penny candies were not just a treat; they were an adventure. Sure, I could spend my entire nickel on a single Black Cow at the schoolyard candy stand, but I preferred to buy five Sixlets—small cellophane tubes filled with delightful candy-coated chocolate spheres. If I wasn’t in the mood for Sixlets, I had a plethora of options: Mary Janes, Smarties, Jawbreakers, Tootsie Rolls, Bit O Honey, Pixie Stix, and Licorice Whips. Just thinking about them gives me a sugar rush!
YOUR TURN
But that’s just my story. Penny for your thoughts! What were your favorite penny candies?
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers. Virge frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Feel free to send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
On November 12, the US Mint produced the last penny. This marks the end of an era for a currency that has been in circulation since 1793. The penny has been woven into the fabric of our culture, inspiring phrases like “Penny for your thoughts” and “pennies from heaven.”
However, what resonates most with me is the nostalgic loss of penny candy.
One of my fondest childhood memories revolves around the thrill of penny candy. It was my first taste of an ‘adult’ transaction. At John’s grocery store on Third Street, jars filled with colorful penny candies lined the marble counter near the register. Sometimes, I would cash in Coke bottles for their deposits, while other times I managed to scrounge a few cents from my mom. Regardless of how I acquired the money, the experience of shopping, selecting, and paying for my own treats was exhilarating—especially when I occasionally received change back.
This experience was far more intoxicating than when my parents paid for my goodies.
FAVORITES!
Penny candies were not just a treat; they were an adventure. Sure, I could spend my entire nickel on a single Black Cow at the schoolyard candy stand, but I preferred to buy five Sixlets—small cellophane tubes filled with delightful candy-coated chocolate spheres. If I wasn’t in the mood for Sixlets, I had a plethora of options: Mary Janes, Smarties, Jawbreakers, Tootsie Rolls, Bit O Honey, Pixie Stix, and Licorice Whips. Just thinking about them gives me a sugar rush!
YOUR TURN
But that’s just my story. Penny for your thoughts! What were your favorite penny candies?
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who seeks out hidden gems and unsung (or undersung) treasures for Straus Newspapers. Virge frequently writes about Old School New York City and performs at open mic readings throughout the city. Feel free to send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
