Now that our Halloween coverage for 2015 has ended (so very sad), it’s time to kick into the Fall! And while I like to hold most of my dedicated Christmas coverage until December, I thought today’s content was a perfect bridge and a prelude of things to come. And boy is it a good one because today I get to share the entire contents of Brach’s 1953 Fall and Christmas candy sales catalog. Make the jump to check it out!
If some of this catalog appears familiar to you, it’s because I previously published a three-page selection from it back in October 2014, with my 50 Years of Brach’s Candy Corn post. It’s a beautiful 32-page trade catalog which would have been used by Brach’s salesmen to showcase items to their retail customers. Featuring Brach’s variety of retail offerings from Halloween to Christmas, it’s a wonderful array. And while some of these offerings have long since been discontinued, others are still in production to this day.
Beyond the entire contents of the catalog, I’ve also got some related vintage packaging to share. Now, here’s the catalog. I hope you enjoy it:
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The awesome Brach’s Rocket Mix box found on page 18 of this catalog is a piece my friend and fellow collector Dan Goodsell has had in his collection for many years, check it out:
Brach’s Rocket Mix candy box – 1950’s – Courtesy Dan Goodsell
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The Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies found on page 19 of the catalog are a timeless classic that are still around today. I have an example of packaging for them that dates back to the late 1950’s, and it’s a beautiful one that evokes the Fall season so well:
Brach’s – Maple Nut Goodies – 5 1/2 oz cellophane 29-cent candy package – late 1950’s early 1960’s
Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies are still around today and along with the entirety of the Brach’s line, they underwent a packaging refresh between 2013 and 2014. Here’s a look at the two most recent versions of the packaging for Brach’s Maple Nut Goodies:
Brach’s – Maple Nut Goodies – 4oz candy package – 2013
Brach’s – Maple Nut Goodies – 4oz candy package – 2014
The photos of the Maple Nut Goodies of 2014 look indistinguishable from those found in the 1953 catalog. Now that’s a classic.
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Orange Slices are another timeless American treat. I have an example of a Brach’s Orange Slices packages dating back to around the same time as this catalog here:
Brach’s Orange Slices – 11 1/2 oz candy package – 1950’s
I’ve had that Orange Slices package for a number of years and while putting today’s post together, I realized that the package actually still contained small remnants of the candy it first held nearly 60-years-ago. Take a closer look:
Brach’s Orange Slices – decades old remanents – 1950’s
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The Brach’s Caramel Bullies included on this page are a product that I believe are still offered from time-to-time, though they are now called vanilla caramel swirls. I should note that they were once sold in connected rolls in packages similar to a chocolate bar. I have two different examples of Brach’s Bullies bar wrappers dating back to the 1950’s/1960’s. Take a look:
Brach’s Bullies Caramel – 1 1/4 oz candy bar wrapper – late 1950’s to early 1960’s
Brach’s Bullies Toffee – 1 1/4 oz candy bar wrapper – late 1950’s to early 1960’s
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That’s the end of the 1953 Brach’s Fall and Christmas catalog and everything I’ve got to share for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed this special look back at a piece of confectionery history from half-a-century ago, and I’ll see you next time!
wow. this is so awesome. i never ever get tired of looking at these catalogues. and i cannot believe how many cool mellowcremes they used to have!!!!!! and all those old hard candy mixes! man this stuff is so neat.
thanks for posting these things!
Mr. Liebig,
What a wonderful reminder of the fun we had in the 50’s. Thank you for your enfforts and dedication
Hey, I spent 23 years with EJ Brach, [66 thru 89 ]and when I replaced an old timer in Dallas in 69, he gave me some from I believe the late 40’s, will look and see if I can find them.
Been wondering it they were worth anything.Destroyed all but the later ones after German Swiss outfit bought us out an ruined everything that the Old Timers who were dedicated built.
Was a wonderful Family atmosphere even after American Home bought Brach, but when they sold to Jacob Suchard, the Damn German run outfit, it went down hill………….Factory in Chicago was destroyed for a scene in a Batman movie, and history ended.
Oh, geez, that’s awful to hear. It seems true in general, but I’ve specifically seen many stories related to the candy business, but progress can really destroy some things. It’s great that you have so many great memories of your time there. I hope I get the opportunity to discuss them with you. -Jason
Born in 1953 and growing up with these delicious candies. Love the catalogs and so hard to believe that Brachs is no longer exist. Maple nut goodies and the orange slices was my go to candy during chemotherapy. I searched ever store looking for these favorites of mine to no luck . I am so sad to know this company no longer exist to fulfill my cravings. I miss all the great Christmas hard candies and gift boxes. Makes me so sad.
Just noticed, no Indian Corn for Halloween. They didn’t make it yet? Earliest I have is a supermarket store brand version from 1952.