Located in the central part of Salem, Massachusetts, the Ye Olde Pepper Companie holds the title of being America’s oldest candy company. Established in 1806, this historic candy business has provided treats for generations with its traditional sweets, crafted using recipes and techniques that have stood the test of time. The story of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie is one of tradition and a deep connection to both its local community and broader American history.
Early Beginnings of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie
The story of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie begins in the early 19th century when an Englishwoman named Mary Spencer found herself stranded in Salem after a shipwreck. With little more than a barrel of sugar given by locals, Mary Spencer began making and selling a lemon-flavored hard candy known as the “Salem Gibralter.” This candy quickly became popular among the residents of Salem, marking the beginning of what would become a long-lasting tradition.
The Gibralter candy is known not only for its flavor but also for its long shelf life, a very important feature in a time before modern preservatives existed. This simple candy became a staple in Salem and is still sold at the Ye Olde Pepper Companie today.
Growth and Tradition
After Mary Spencer’s success, the Ye Olde Pepper Companie was eventually passed down to her son, who continued her work before selling the business in 1830 to John William Pepper. Under the ownership of John Pepper, the company expanded its product line, which included the introduction of the “Black Jack,” a molasses taffy that quickly became another signature sweet. Black Jacks are made from molasses that is deliberately overcooked to create a strong, almost smoky flavor, a taste that was popular in the 19th century.
In 1897, the business was acquired by George Burkinshaw, whose family continues to run the company to this day. The Burkinshaws have maintained and continued the traditional methods and recipes that have defined the Ye Olde Pepper Companie for more than 200 years, ensuring that each piece of candy is made with the same care and craftsmanship that defined the company’s early days.
The Storefront and Its Historic Location
Today, the Ye Olde Pepper Companie operates from a historic building located at 122 Derby Street in Salem, Massachusetts, a location the company moved to in 1972. The store itself is a delightful, old-fashioned candy shop, filled with colorful candies, chocolates, and other sweet treats. Visitors can not only purchase the original Gibralters and Black Jacks but also explore a small museum area that showcases some of the original equipment used in the candy-making process.
The shop’s location near other historic landmarks in Salem, such as the House of the Seven Gables, makes it a popular stop for tourists exploring the town’s rich history.
Preserving a Legacy
The Ye Olde Pepper Companie’s commitment to preserving its original methods and recipes is one of the most remarkable aspects of its operation. Despite the pressures of modern business, the company has remained true to its roots, using traditional techniques and high-quality, natural ingredients. This dedication ensures that each of their products not only tastes authentic but also carries a piece of history with it.
As one of Salem’s oldest businesses, the Ye Olde Pepper Companie is a significant part of the town’s cultural heritage. The shop is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, who come to experience a taste of history and take home pieces of Salem’s past. The company has also gained national attention, featuring in various media outlets and travel guides that highlight its status as America’s oldest candy company.
While the Ye Olde Pepper Companie has remained committed to tradition, the company has also adapted to modern times by expanding its product line and offering online sales. This allows the company to reach more customers while still maintaining the quality and authenticity that have defined it for more than two centuries.
Final Thoughts
The Ye Olde Pepper Companie is more than just a candy shop; it is a living piece of American history. For over 200 years, the company has delighted customers with its traditional sweets, made using recipes and techniques that have been passed down through generations. Its survival and success are a testament to the enduring appeal of quality craftsmanship and the importance of preserving historical practices.
For people visiting Salem, a stop at the Ye Olde Pepper Companie offers not just a taste of delicious candy but also a connection to the past. It is a place where history is preserved in the form of sweet treats, and where the simple pleasure of candy takes on a deeper significance. Whether you’re a history fan, a candy lover, or simply curious, the Ye Olde Pepper Companie is a must-visit destination that offers a truly unique and tasty experience.
Questions and Answers of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie
Q. What are some of the most famous candies produced by Ye Olde Pepper Companie?
A. The most famous candies produced by Ye Olde Pepper Companie include the Salem Gibralter and Black Jacks. The Gibralter is a hard, lemon or peppermint-flavored candy that has been a staple since the company’s founding. Black Jacks are molasses taffy candies that were introduced in the 19th century and became the first stick-shaped candy to gain popularity in America.
Q. Where is Ye Olde Pepper Companie located, and can visitors tour the facility?
A. Ye Olde Pepper Companie is located at 122 Derby Street in Salem, Massachusetts. While it primarily operates as a retail store, visitors can explore the historic shop, which also features a small museum area showcasing some of the original candy-making equipment. The store is a popular stop for tourists visiting Salem’s historical sites.
Q. What is the contact information for the Ye Olde Pepper Companie?
A. Address: Ye Olde Pepper Companie
122 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone Number: 978-745-2744
Website: oldepeppercandy.com
Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Q. What other products does the Ye Olde Pepper Companie sell?
A. Ye Olde Pepper Companie offers a wide variety of traditional and modern confections, in addition to their famous Salem Gibralters and Black Jacks. Here’s a list of some of the other products they sell:
Chocolates
- Handmade Chocolates: They offer an assortment of handmade chocolates, including truffles, turtles (also known as “Dixies”), and assorted chocolate boxes.
- Chocolate Bark: Available in different varieties, such as almond, peppermint, and cranberry.
- Chocolate-Dipped Items: This includes chocolate-dipped pretzels, fruits, and other confections.
Fudge
- Classic Flavors: They offer a range of fudge flavors including chocolate, peanut butter, maple walnut, and more.
- Seasonal Flavors: During certain times of the year, they offer special seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or peppermint.
Hard Candies
- Sassafras Slugs: A unique hard candy with a distinctive sassafras flavor.
- Root Beer Barrels: Another traditional hard candy, flavored like root beer.
- Barley Sugar Drops: A classic candy made from barley sugar, offering a light, sweet flavor.
Gourmet Truffles
- Flavors: They have a variety of gourmet truffles in flavors such as Grand Marnier, Amaretto, and Irish Cream.
Cordials
- Cherry Cordials: These are cherries dipped in chocolate, known for their rich and sweet flavor.
Taffy
- Salt Water Taffy: Offered in a variety of flavors, this taffy is another classic candy available at the shop.
Novelty Candies
- Candy Canes: Traditional candy canes, especially popular during the holiday season.
- Licorice: They also offer different types of licorice, both in stick form and in other shapes.
Seasonal and Holiday Specials
- They often have special confections available during holidays like Halloween and Christmas, which may include themed candies, chocolate shapes, and special packaging.
Q. What other attractions are close by?
A. Ye Olde Pepper Companie is located in a historic part of Salem, Massachusetts, near several other popular attractions. Here are some notable sites nearby:
- Distance: Less than a 5-minute walk from Ye Olde Pepper Companie.
- Description: This historic house museum was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The House of the Seven Gables. The site includes the house itself, beautiful gardens, and Hawthorne’s birthplace, which was moved to the property. Visitors can take guided tours and learn about Salem’s history and Hawthorne’s works.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site
- Distance: About a 5-minute walk.
- Description: This historic site preserves Salem’s maritime history and includes several buildings such as the Custom House, Derby Wharf, and the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 trading ship. The site offers tours, exhibits, and educational programs that explore Salem’s role in early American trade and shipping.
- Distance: About a 15-minute walk.
- Description: One of the most popular attractions in Salem, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Through exhibits and presentations, visitors can learn about the events that led to the trials and the impact they had on the community.
- Distance: About a 10-minute walk.
- Description: This museum is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States and features an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts from around the world. The museum’s exhibitions often focus on global and local history, with a particular emphasis on Salem’s maritime and colonial past.
- Distance: About a 10-minute walk.
- Description: Located near the Old Burying Point Cemetery, this memorial honors the 20 individuals who were executed during the Salem witch trials. It’s a somber site where visitors can reflect on the tragic events of 1692.
- Distance: About a 15-minute walk.
- Description: Also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, this is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who played a key role in the trials. The house is now a museum where visitors can learn about 17th-century life and the witch trials.
- Distance: About a 10-minute walk.
- Description: This is one of the oldest cemeteries in the United States, dating back to 1637. It is the final resting place of several notable Salem residents, including some involved in the witch trials. The cemetery is located adjacent to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial.
These attractions, all within walking distance of Ye Olde Pepper Companie, offer a rich exploration of Salem’s history, from its colonial and maritime heritage to the infamous witch trials of 1692.
Reviews of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie
“We discovered that this is the oldest candy shop in the United States, and the selection is incredible! There’s something for everyone, from gummies and a wide variety of chocolates to traditional hard candies. We sampled some chocolate witches and pecan chocolate turtles—they were absolutely delicious!”
“This candy shop is celebrated as the oldest candy company in America, and it’s packed with an incredible variety of delicious treats. We picked up a selection of candies to take home, and they were outstanding. One of the highlights of the shop is a jar displaying 200-year-old Gibralters, a nod to its long history. It’s definitely worth a visit to see what they have to offer!”
“This charming little shop is a gem, though getting there can be a bit tricky. The roads around the shop are quite narrow and can feel a bit daunting to navigate, but don’t let that stop you from visiting! Inside, you’ll find an excellent selection of candies and homemade chocolates. While we didn’t purchase any chocolates, they looked absolutely tempting. Instead, we opted for some unique treats we hadn’t tried before, like sassafras hard candies, molasses sticks, honey horehound hard candies, and cinnamon twists. Everything we tried was delicious!”
Photos of the Ye Olde Pepper Companie
Sources:
- History of Massachusetts Blog
- Tasting Table
- The Harvard Crimson
- Destination Salem