Sweets

I may have written about Louisville, Kentucky in a previous post. This was my second time traveling to Kentucky with the Primetimers. Primetimers may give those of lesser years the idea that things are old and slow with this group.  On the contrary, the people are lively, fun, congenial and a group I enjoy traveling with. The itinerary is well planned with something of interest for everyone.

The next posts will be captioned pictures of my 3 day get away last week.

SCHIMPFF'S CONFECTIONARY

Jeffersonville, Indiana

"G.A. Schimpff’s Confectionery is one of the oldest, continuously operated, family-owned candy businesses in the United States. It was opened in its present location in 1891 by Gustav Schimpff Sr. and Jr.

This unique confectionery and lunch room in Jeffersonville's downtown historic district comes complete with a 50's soda fountain and original tin ceiling. The old-fashioned candy jars, cases, and turn-of-the century equipment transport you back to the good old days of home-made candy and a real fountain drink.

Its Candy Museum and Candy Demonstration Area offer a glimpse into the world of historic candy making, packaging and advertising." (copied from Schimpff's website)

Outside window of Schimpff's

The red marks outside the windows indicate floodline during a flood in the 1800's.















Vintage  candy tubs in museum

 

The world's largest gummi bear






 

An antique vending machine that still works.



Vintage candy vending machines



                                                         



Schimpff's 1950's soda fountain still in operation

SCHIMPFF'S IS FAMOUS FOR IT"S RED HOTS CANDY



 The boilers are copper because of the even heating. The rings on the stove can be removed to accomodate various sized boilers.

The syrup is boiling over a stove specially made for fitting candy boilers



After boiling to a select temperature, the syrup is poured onto a metal table. Note that iron bars keep the syrup contained in one area.



The candy maker adds a distinct amount of cinnamon oil to the syrup and begins manipulating it so that the oil and syrup intermingle. 16 ounces of cinnamon oil is about $50 .



The syrup is beginning to solidify to form the hard candy.



This view is from a mirror atop the work station. He presses the warm candy lengthwise while it is still pliable. He will then cut it into 1 foot lengths and run it through a candy mold that will press it into individual pieces.



Notice the sheets of candy in the background. To break them apart he holds up a candy sheet and drops it onto the table where it breaks into the individual pieces you see in the foreground.

We were each given a sample of the product which was still warm. The business prides itself on making as many of it's candies by hand instead of machine.  They still use  many of the original tools their ancestors used. The candy store adjoins the museum and candy kitchen. There are many other candies available for purchase.

THAT'S IT***