A Teaberry Good Time!

by Laurnie Wilson

A Berry Good Bubble Gum

There are few things in life so rewarding as knowing that you have fresh smelling breath. Honestly, the freedom that comes with not having to worry about scaring off your friends and family when you open your mouth is completely liberating!

So, naturally, you probably have a favorite gum or two of your own. And if, like us, you’ve been around the bubble gum block a few times, then chances are you’ve heard of Clark’s Teaberry Gum. Does that name ring any bells? Well, if so, then you’ll probably be interested to know how this delicately named little gum got its start.

Teaberry’s Beginning

Way back in the late 1800’s, an Irish immigrant by the name of D.L. Clark opened a candy company in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh just happens to be our home turf, here at CandyFavorites, so we’re especially proud!

Back then, the company produced over 100 different types of candy! Talk about a Jack-of-all-trades, eh? However, there were so many candies that the company had to compartmentalize. And, as a result, the Clark Gum Company was born!

The Elusive Teaberry

This spin-off company took over all of the gum production from D.L. Clark Company, and in 1900 gave us Clark’s Teaberry gum! But what is a teaberry exactly? And, besides the fact that it sounds cute, why name a gum after it?

Well, believe it or not, a teaberry is a berry with a minty, wintergreen flavor. The berry itself is native to northeastern North America, so you won’t find it everywhere! Luckily for you, Clark’s Teaberry Gum can be wherever you are.

A Berry To Dance With

Although the Teaberry Gum emerged in 1900, it wasn’t until 1960 that it really shot to the spotlight. It was during these years that Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass Band performed the song, “The Teaberry Shuffle,” for Teaberry commercials.

In the commercials, someone going about their normal, daily activities would eat a piece of Clark’s Teaberry Gum, and then break out a few dance moves, before returning to whatever task was at hand. Their slogan, “Have a little fun” epitomized the energy and excitement in each commercial, making it a memorable ad campaign, indeed.

These days, you don’t have to live on the East Coast to enjoy these little sticks of happiness. We can bring them right to you, so you have no excuse not to indulge and have a little fun with your gum.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark's_Teaberry
• https://www.candyblog.net/blog/item/classic_gums
• https://www.vintageveggies.com/candystore/clarks.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaultheria_procumbens
• https://www.sodahead.com/fun/okay-who-remembers-going-to-the-store-with-5-cents-and-getting-pieces-of-candy/question-434309/?page=2&link=ibaf&q=&esrc=s