Let’s Learn From The Past
D.L. Clark
Clark bars, the signature item of one of the country’s largest candy empires, started with a small operation run by young entrepreneur David L. Clark in the back of a North Side house.
Mr. Clark was born in Ireland on Sept. 26, 1864 and came to the United States with his family when he was 8. His father worked as a merchant in Allegheny City, or present-day North Side. He attended public school but began working when he was 9. By the age of 12, he was attending business school at night after a full day’s work.
Mr. Clark entered the candy business in 1891 and spent a few years learning the trade before starting his own company, D.L. Clark Co., in 1886. He manufactured candy in two back rooms of a small house in Allegheny City with the help of a small staff. He sold his product on Pittsburgh’s streets with great success. Within a few years, he made enough money to open a small factory in McKeesport, where the company became incorporated.
By 1911, the company had outgrown its factory, and Mr. Clark purchased a large building on the North Side from a cracker manufacturer. The building was remodeled for candy-making. Increasing demand led to the building’s continual expansion over the next several decades.
In the 1920s when the company was making approximately 150 different types of candy and gum, Mr. Clark decided to create a separate entity for the gum-making business. He felt that the candy and gum operations would be more successful if the were run separately, so he opened the Clark Brothers Chewing Gum Co. across the street from his candy factory.
Two of Mr. Clark’s sons were involved with his business. David L. Clark Jr. served as vice president of D.L. Clark Co., while Harold S. Clark served as treasurer for both the candy and gum companies. The senior Clark and his wife, Martha, had 13 children in all.
Following Mr. Clark’s death in 1939, his family continued to run the business until 1955. The company operated smoothly in Pittsburgh for several decades but ran into financial difficulties in the 1990s. Eventually, the company was bought by New England Confectionary Co. and relocated. The new owners still manufacture the famous Clark bar.
By Karen Healy,HJ Heinz History Center
