A bit about Chowards Candy and the new Guava Mints
by Jon Prince
One of the older retro candy stalwarts, C. Howard Company Inc. was started by Charles Howard of New York City in the early 1930s .
Mr. Howard, in search of a "uniqueand different flavored candy," concocted a delightful confectionery mint called "Choward's Violet" in a small industrial loft on Broadway. Howard's first retailing experience was selling "Choward's Violet" on the street corners of Manhattan, where the product's reputation grew.
On the heels of "Choward's Violet" success, Howard then followed with a purple colored gum tablet, and named it "Choward's Scented Gum."
In ensuing years, Howard expanded his candy line to include
Choward's Peppermints, Spearmints (flavored with natural oil of spearmint), and Lemon Mints (flavored with natural oil of lemon)
When Howard was ready for "earthly internment" (sorry), the company carried on under the leadership of a long time employee. In the 70s, this employee enlisted the help of her nephews, who to this day operate the company as a family concern. The company continues to manufacture the original line of products, consisting solely of the Violet, Spearmint, Peppermint and Lemon Mints, along with the Scented Gum.
This gum's aroma is so strong that it is noticeable before it's even opened. At first sniff it's unmistakably flowery, and captures the spirit of a sweeter, simpler 50s style of candy. Even the packaging itself is written in a font indicative of the mid-twentieth century.
C. Howard candies are native to the state of New York and are common on the east coast. Their first new product in ages, just announced, is a Guava Mint which, although unusual, is now available on CandyFavorites.com!