Katharina Buczek
And Oliver Chase knew that there had to be a much easier way. So, he decided to simplify the process by inventing his lozenge cutter– which is now widely known as America’s first candy machine.
Then, after using that new technology in the pharmaceutical space, Oliver shifted his focus to sweets. Oliver first founded his business, Chase & Company, which later became known as the new England Confectionery Company, or “Necco.”
So, over time, those early candy lozenges evolved into the Necco wafers we know and love today.
It was not until 1866, though, that Oliver’s brother, Daniel Chase, conceptualized a novel process that differentiated Necco wafers from the rest of the treats on the market.
Daniel actually figured out a way to press sayings and words onto the candies via a felt roller pad that was moistened with red vegetable coloring.
What inspired him to come up with writing on candy? Well, there are a few different theories.
According to one legend, Union soldiers would carry around Necco wafers during the Civil War. Then, the common practice of sending love letters to soldiers is said to have sparked the idea of “conversation hearts.”
Others believe that Daniel was simply inspired by the skyrocketing popularity of Valentine’s Day cards– which Esther Howland, a Massachusetts resident, began selling during the mid-1800s.
Perhaps most likely, though, Daniel may have drawn inspiration from another popular candy known as “cockles,” which were shaped like a scallop shell and had a “motto” printed on thin paper inside.
So, rather than concealing a message like cockles, it appears as though Daniel decided to print the messages directly on top of the candy.
At first, the famed Sweethearts were not exactly hearts, either. The candies were first created in simple disc forms before appearing in more “fun” shapes– such as horseshoes, watches, and baseballs.
