Discovering the Historic Candy Shop in Harpers Ferry

Introducing the Historic Candy Shop

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is home to True Treats, a candy shop that transcends the ordinary. It’s not just a store for sweets; it’s a candy museum where you can savor treats intertwined with American history. Founded by Susan Benjamin, a candy historian, the shop aims to showcase the rich history of confections dating back to the early 19th century.

The History of the Candy Shop

In the 1840s, a German immigrant named Frederick Roeder opened the first candy shop in Harpers Ferry. Not only did Roeder sell candies and pastries, but he also lived above the shop. Tragically, on the morning of July 4, 1861, amid the Civil War, he was killed by a stray bullet while checking on the situation outside. Roeder became the first civilian casualty of the war in Harpers Ferry.

More than a century later, True Treats has preserved the historical significance of candy. Here, you don’t just buy sweets; you learn about the evolution of confections over time. The shop is located in a building constructed in 1843, retaining its charming vintage aesthetic, making you feel as if you've stepped into another world.

Fascinating Candy Facts

Upon entering the store, you’ll be greeted by a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere, filled with an array of candies from yesteryear to modern times. True Treats offers unique candies that many may not know about, such as beet sugar candy and energy bars from World War I. Some candies boast histories spanning thousands of years, like pastelli—a sesame-based treat reminiscent of peanut candy, mentioned in Homer’s "The Iliad."

Susan, drawing from her extensive knowledge of candy history, authored the book "Sweet as Sin: The Unwrapped Story of How Candy Became America’s Favorite Pleasure," which details the intriguing tales behind the evolution of candy. The layout of True Treats is particularly engaging, allowing visitors to experience candy through the ages. You can start from ancient sweets and trace their development through various historical periods to the present day.

Experiencing True Treats

If you visit True Treats, be sure to take some time to sit down and enjoy the candies you’ve chosen. The shop often buzzes with families or groups of friends sharing their candy experiences, reading labels, and listening to captivating stories from the staff. Each type of candy is connected to a different story in history, and Susan and her team are always eager to share these tales with visitors.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Harpers Ferry from Vietnam, here are some useful tips: You will need a visa to enter the U.S., with visa costs ranging from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 VND depending on the type. Flying from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Washington D.C. is a popular option, after which you can travel by car or train to Harpers Ferry.

Round-trip airfare from Vietnam to Washington D.C. typically ranges from 15,000,000 to 25,000,000 VND, depending on when you book. Fall or spring is the ideal time to visit Harpers Ferry, with pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery.

Conclusion

At True Treats, you’re not just indulging in unique candies; you’re immersing yourself in captivating historical narratives. This is an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves exploring culture and history. Plan your visit to Harpers Ferry to enjoy all these wonderful offerings!

This article is inspired and edited from: Atlas Obscura