On November 12, the US Mint produced the last penny.With it goes a currency produced since 1793, and dozens of references in popular culture like Penny for your thoughts, and pennies from heaven.But the biggest loss to me was the end of penny candy.One of my early childhood memories was of the joys of penny candy.It was my first adult transaction.
Johns grocery store on Third Street kept the penny candies in jars on the marble counter near the register.Sometimes I cashed in some Coke bottles for the deposit, other times I had cadged a few cents from Mom.Either way I had the experience of shopping, selecting, and paying for a purchase (and sometimes even getting change).It was heady stuff; much more intoxicating than when Mom or Dad paid.FAVORITES!Besides, penny candies were fun.
Sure, I could spend my whole nickel on a Black Cow in the schoolyard candy stand.but I preferred to buy five Sixlets, small cellophane tubes holding a roll of small spheres of candy coated chocolate.And if I didnt feel like Sixlets, there were Mary Janes, Smarties, Jawbreakers, Tootsie Rolls, Bit O Honey, Pixie Stix, Licorice Whips.I get a sugar rush just from the memory.YOUR TURNBut thats me.Penny for your thoughts! What were your favorite penny candies?
Publisher: Senior Planet ( Read More )
