Gardners Candies was founded in Tyrone, Pennsylvania in 1897 by a 16-year-old boy named James “Pike” Gardner. Now, Gardners is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The company went from a boy transporting candy, popcorn, and peanuts on a horse-drawn wagon at local fairs and carnivals to over 125 years of sweetness with sales across the country.
Nine Gardners store locations are stretched across Pennsylvania, including two in Altoona. Gardners is also partnered with retail locations, like CVS Pharmacy, Giant Eagle, Rite Aid, Weis Markets, and many more. Although most of these stores and retail locations are local, Gardners Candies sells products through its website to locations all across the country.
For its 125th anniversary, Gardners is selling some chocolates in a special 125th anniversary tin. The company does sell chocolates in tins year-round, but the 125th anniversary certainly calls for a special tin. Gardners Candies will also be doing something to celebrate in each store. Stay tuned for more information!
The original Gardners Candies store in Tyrone is not only home to its signature candy, but also a candy museum and an ice cream parlor. The museum contains a 15-minute video of a tour through the candy factory, as well as old equipment and relevant items. Taking a walk through the candy museum and looking at the history of the company makes reaching the 125th anniversary that much sweeter.
