For many, the mere mention of Halloween conjures up images of costumes, jack-o'-lanterns, and, of course, candy. But for some, a particular candy stands out, a nostalgic treat that evokes cherished childhood memories: the Wowee Whistle. This colorful wax harmonica, a delightful combination of confection and toy, has been sorely missed since its apparent disappearance from store shelves decades ago. The quest to rediscover this iconic candy has led down a winding path through candy companies, historical records, and a yearning for a taste of the past.
The desire to once again experience the simple joy of a Wowee wax whistle is a sentiment shared by many who grew up enjoying this unique treat. The experience wasn't just about the taste; it was about the playful act of making music with candy. The Wowee Whistle embodied a time when treats were as much about imagination and fun as they were about satisfying a sweet tooth.
The search for the Wowee Whistle's origins and its current whereabouts has been a journey of discovery. Initially, the American Candy Company, founded in 1899 in Selma, Alabama, seemed like a promising lead. This company was later sold to the Pinkerton Group in Richmond, Virginia, which is part of Procordia United Brands, a Swedish corporation. However, the trail became more complex when the Canadian company Concord Confections acquired the wax candy division in 2002.
Contacting Tootsie Roll Industries, a company that acquired some of the assets of these companies, yielded disappointing results. Despite holding the recipes and manufacturing information for some wax candies, the company stated that their records did not extend far enough back to include the Wowee Whistle. This response, while polite, felt incomplete, fueling the determination to continue the search.
The story of wax candies like the Wowee Whistle begins with John W. Glenn, who developed wax lips in 1923 in Buffalo, NY. Glenn's company, Glenn Confections, became part of W&F Manufacturing Company. After W&F Manufacturing Company went bankrupt in 1994, the Challenger Candy Company of Secor, IL, purchased the wax candy-making machinery and moved it to Illinois. Subsequently, the American Candy Company acquired the machinery and moved it to Alabama before Concordia acquired the wax division in 2002 and moved the machinery to Canada. While Tootsie Roll still produces wax lips and fangs, the Wowee Whistle remains absent from their product line.
Glenn Confections produced Wax Horse Teeth that tasted like wintergreen. Later he added other products called Fun Gum Sugar Lips, Wax Fangs, Nik-L-Nips, wax noses and fingers, a six shooter, and the Wowee, a colorful wax harmonica.
The journey of the wax candy-making machinery is intriguing, with its movement from Illinois to Alabama and then to Canada. These machines, likely built in the 1920s, hold a piece of candy history. Concordia, which now focuses on preserving and selling seeds, was the last known company to possess these machines. Perhaps they hold the key to uncovering the current whereabouts of the equipment and the possibility of reviving the Wowee Whistle.
Wax candies, including wax lips, mustaches, fangs, and Nik-L-Nips, are made from paraffin, a petroleum product derived from dead marine plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Paraffin wax, a byproduct of refining kerosene, is tasteless and meant to be chewed like gum, while the sweet syrup inside provides the flavor burst.
These candies represent a time when treats were not just about the taste but also about the experience. Stepping into a candy store and seeing the familiar, shiny shapes of wax bottles evokes memories of simpler, more playful days. Wax candies can be grouped with novelty candies and classic Americana 1950s candy.
Jason, a New York City-based writer, editor, actor, candy collector, and historian, has been described as “the Indiana Jones of lost and forgotten candy.” His discoveries have appeared in countless blogs, magazines, newspaper articles, and books. Jason has consulted with New York’s Museum of Food and Drink and has also been a featured guest on Food Network’s Heavyweights, France’s M6 Capital, and New York’s TheActionRoom.com.
The Wowee Whistle, a testament to a bygone era of playful confectionery, remains a cherished memory for many. Its absence from the candy market is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the confectionery world. The quest to revive this iconic candy is driven by a desire to recapture a taste of the past and share it with future generations.
The disappearance of the Wowee Whistle underscores the transient nature of childhood pleasures. The simple act of playing a tune on a wax harmonica, a seemingly insignificant moment, holds a special place in the hearts of those who experienced it. The search for the Wowee Whistle is not just about finding a candy; it's about rediscovering a piece of childhood and preserving a sweet memory.
tags: #halloween #wax #harmonica #history
