A Library of Delicious Data

Matt’s segments for “Connoisseur’s Corner” usually air on WBZ (1030 AM) Saturdays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25, and 11:55 AM and Sundays at 7:25, 8:25, 9:25 AM.

Recent samples can be found at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1002-Connoisseurs-Corner-28654273/.

If you have ideas for future segments, please send them to Matt@Matts-Meals.com.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @MattsMeals73 and look for my latest food-related writing in Food & Beverage Magazine.

Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our friends and neighbors in the food-service industry!

Bon appétit!

While it may not be possible to actually visit many of them, the Boston Public Library’s Norman B. Leventhal Map Center has prepared a virtual tour of many of the Boston area’s historic candy makers and the history of candy itself!

Those who have had the sweet treat of an Old Town Trolley Company Chocolate Tour may think they know the skinny on what has made so many Bostonians pleasantly plump, but the Library tour has surprises at every click!

For example, you may know (and love) Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate near the Old North Church, but did you know that candy was once made in Paul Revere’s house or that nearby Cambridge had an entire district known as Confectioner’s Row? While you may know how candy production was related to the slave trade (which is certainly an un-sweet part of the story), have you ever heard of the poisoned candy scare that took place in the 1870s? 

In sweeter days, Boston was the creamy center of the candy world, with such pioneers as Baker’s Chocolate, Cox Confectionary, NECCO, Squirrel Brand, and Tootsie Roll Industries. While many of these manufacturers may be memories today, you can relive the glory days of Boston’s gooey past with help from the BPL.

Sweet!

www.leventhalmap.org/articles/candy-tour/