The treasured Tootsie Roll brings the sweetest experiences to the young and old. Yes, the same chewy chocolate candy that is often handed out on Halloween night, tossed out to eager parade spectators on warm summer days, and shared at family gatherings. Tootsie Rolls have been savored since 1896 and are still considered one of America’s favorites. Would you believe me if I told you that the treasured Tootsie Roll has the ability to connect generations? Let me share a short story with you.
Sweet Memories
On a warm summer evening, the setting sun painted a neighborhood hues of gold and amber divulging the end of another work day while a little girl waited patiently at her front door. Standing on tiptoes to peek through the screen window, wisps of blond hair would curl around the girl’s face while she waited for her father to return home from work. Bright blue eyes widened with anticipation as the little girl heard the familiar rumble of her father’s pickup truck coming down the street.
Opening the screen door once her father had parked, the little girl stepped onto the concrete pad to yell out, “Hi, Dad!” Her father would return her greeting with, “Well, hello Miss Jelly Bean!” – an endearing nickname that would persist throughout the girl’s life. The father was just as excited to see the little girl as she was to see him.
Pulling a Tootsie Roll from his shirt pocket, the father knelt next to the little girl and handed her the familiar treat. The little girl beamed as she opened the wrapper. Seemingly more chewy and sweet from being warmed in her father’s pocket, the Tootsie Roll remained a welcome surprise throughout the girl’s young life.
When the little girl grew up, the girl’s father continued the treasured Tootsie Roll tradition as he found great pleasure in not only sharing Tootsie Rolls with his little girl but with his grandchildren, too. Often buying the largest bag of Tootsie Rolls the father could find, multiple generations looked forward to sharing Tootsie Rolls on family vacations, at family gatherings, and on road trips near and far. The treasured Tootsie Rolls connected the family.
Across the Generations
Unbeknownst to the little girl, the inventor of the Tootsie Roll, Leo Hirschfield, named the candy after his daughter when he opened a small candy shop in New York City. Once the little girl learned of this history, she wondered if Leo used to bring a Tootsie Roll home to his daughter after a long day of work, too. Is it possible that the treasured Tootsie Roll creates sweeter connections between generations? I think so. Thank you, Leo and Dad, for sharing the treasured Tootsie Roll with me.
Do Tootsie Rolls bring up any sweet memories for you?
Tootsie Roll Delight
Tootsie Rolls aren’t just about reliving the past; they’re about savoring the present. They aren’t just candies; they’re ambassadors of delight, bringing smiles to the faces of young and old alike. Whether it’s a quick pick-me-up on a lazy summer day or a sweet surprise to share with a family member, Tootsie Rolls are there to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
The story tells the story of my dad as well. He also always carried & shared Tootsie Rolls with me and my children.
I love that you had this same experience as well! Hearing that others have the same connection as I did. Thanks so much for sharing!