I grew up in Nebraska in the 1970’s, and in the town where I grew up, we had a Woolworth’s store. Without a doubt it had the best selection of candy and gum in town and because of that, I have powerfully good memories about the place. The Woolworth’s store of my youth is the very one pictured in the postcard title image today.
Like all Woolworth’s, it’s long-gone, but the memories remain, so today I’m dedicating my post to this early retail giant that has passed on, and my memories of it.
Toffifay was introduced to the United States in 1977. Using ingredients not typically found in US candy bars at the time, it was an unusual kind of confection to make the standard candy isle. Beyond being a distinctive treat, they also had a clever series of television commercials and a packaging that stood out, and that fascinated me as a kid. Today, I’m going to share some of the earliest packaging used for Toffifay in the States, as well as showing a few other pieces.
After missing last week’s Wacky Wednesday’s column, partly due to the road trip we were on, today I’m making the post a bit of a double-feature. Today, I give you Bustedfinger and Baby Runt.
Today, I’ll be posting the last photos of the display cases of Jeff Nelson’s gum collection. With one small caveat; These were the display cases that were filled and completed before we arrived.
We spent our two-and-a-half days in Toledo, sorting gum with Jeff and a few of his wonderful neighbors, and all of that gum will be going into the new display cases Jeff has built for them. It’s likely that at some point, we’ll revisit Jeff and his collection, and share photos of another thirty or so cases. It’s pretty remarkable.
Jeff Nelson Bubblegum Collection - Case 033
Right about now you might be thinking – when will this glorious wave of gum end? Maybe that’s not what you’re thinking, but either way, I hope you’re enjoying these looks at what is likely the largest collection of contemporary gum in the country.
Jeff Nelson Bubblegum Collection - Case 025
Today I’ve got another round of photos of eight display cases to share. It’s a lot to take in, so make the jump and enjoy the view!
After a little more than a week away, the CollectingCandy.com staff has returned home. It was an amazing road trip, though it is nice to be able to post from my home PC, while having easy access to my scanner and files.
I had hoped to be able to keep posting daily while away, but the learning curve of posting from the filed, from my iPad, combined with sometimes exceedingly long days of non-stop gum sorting and driving, left a number of days without a post. I even missed my weekly Wacky Wednesdays column. Sorry about that. I learned a lot about how to make my mobile-posting life easier, so next time, I shouldn’t encounter as many problems.
Today, I’m going to post another series of photos featuring more of Jeff Nelson’s gum collection display cases, and I hope you enjoy them. I may come back later tonight with an additional wrap-up post of the weeks’ events (though that may have to wait until tomorrow).
Jeff Nelson Bubblegum Collection - Case 017
Follow the jump to enjoy another wonderful range of this giant gum collection:
Tonight I’ll be revealing additional images from the gum collection of Jeff Nelson.
Before we get to that, a little update on the CollectingCandy.com field trip.
Today was the last leg of a week-long sugar-filled journey, as we visited the studio and home of legendary writer/artist, Jay Lynch. We sat down with Jay for a few hours talking comics, Wacky Packages, and of course candy. The content of that interview will be the subject of a later feature here on the site, but I did want to mention it, as it was a great afternoon.
Now, getting back to Jeff Nelson’s amazing collection.
Jeff Nelson Bubblegum Collection - Case 009
Now feast your eyes on seven more cases of gum-goodness:
I promised to reveal more of the Jeff Nelson bubblegum collection earlier in the week, and today I’m going to showcase a portion of the display cases that were already assembled and on display when we arrived.
Starting with case 001 – one of the two Bazooka cases, and one of Jeff’s favorites:
Jeff Nelson Bubblegum Collection - Case 001
Hi everyone, sorry for the lack of new posts today. Worked into the AM last night with Jeff Nelson on his collection, and finished up there with a series of additional photography this morning.
After leaving Toledo, we took an unplanned five hour detour back into Michigan to meet with a wonderful candy wrapper collector, and now finally making the eight hour drive back to New York State.
So, lots of fun candy and gum photos and updates to share.
I’ll be back with a photo-filled fun-filled post tomorrow.
From the road…Jason
Just spent an incredible day with all-around amazing guy, Jeff Nelson. Beyond having built what is likely the largest collection of contemporary bubble gum in the country, Jeff is an artist, entreprenuer, activist – not to to mention being a bit of a legend in the punk scene as a member of Minor Threat. He’s quite a guy.
His bubble gum collection is out-of-this-world.
