“Sweet” Home Chicago with Leslie Goddard, Ph.D.

Saturday, February 13, 2021, 2021

Spend part of your Valentine’s Day weekend learning about some “sweet” history.

Chicago’s legacy as a “candy capital” has its roots in the late 19^th century. In 1884, the first annual meeting of the National Confectioners Association was held at the Palmer House and in 1893 Juicy Fruit Gum and Cracker Jacks were introduced at the World’s Columbian Exposition. The fortunes of Chicago’s Gilded Age were boosted by this candy boom and, in fact, the Wrigleys were among those who contributed to the preservation effort to save the Nickerson Mansion for the first time in 1919. Names like Brach, Fannie May, Frango and Mars made their home in Chicago soon after.

Leslie Goddard, Ph. D. will tell us about the history of these tasty treats and explore what made Chicago such an ideal location for candy makers. Find out how immigrants played a critical role in confectionery history and discover how Baby Ruth and Milk Duds got their names. It’s delicious fun!

Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been portraying famous women and presenting history lectures for more than ten years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in U.S. history and American Studies as well as master’s degrees in both theater and museum studies. A former museum director, she is the author of two books on Chicago history and currently works full-time as a historical interpreter, author, and public speaker.