Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Chicken Dinner Candybar: A History

A few folks have asked me where the name Chicken Dinner Candybar came from, so I thought I'd answer here just in case anyone was curious :)!





















"Chicken Dinner" was the name of a real candy bar that was produced in the early '20s by Sperry Candy, a company based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The unusual name was meant to echo the feeling of well-being and prosperity associated with “a chicken in every pot”—a slogan that went back to Henry IV of France and which would be revived for the 1928 Republican campaign. And it was pretty popular, too! It stayed in production for nearly 40 years before being discontinued in the 1960's.






















They even had a Chicken Dinner truck! No doubt inspired by the Oscar Meyer wiener mobile. As for the actual taste, it was supposedly some sort of chocolate nut roll.
























I guess I chose it as a name for this blog and my Etsy store is because well, first of all I think the name is kind of catchy! It's a little long, but it's got a little ring to it :) Plus I think the whole approach to selling the Sperry Candy creation is kind of hilarious! Makes me think of the fictional "3 course gum" in Willy Wonka! Chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans all crammed into a neat little rectangle...haha.

I thought of more serious or "prettier" names (I was convinced I was going to use the names "Classic Energy Vintage" or "The Festooned Macaroon" but thankfully was convinced they didn't sound quite right :P!) But basically I thought it was lighthearted and fun and just fit somehow :D

Sources: Here, here, and here.

15 comments:

  1. Oh, I love this. I've been wondering about your blog name! How funny that it was an actual candy bar for 40 years. I'm just glad to hear it didn't actually taste like chicken!

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  2. Finally I know the sory behind your blog's darling name. I always love the 'chicken dinner candybar' title because it's so beautiful! It reminds me of the warmth of our family living room, the smell of baked meals, the colourful lollipops and every little thing about love itself... Just beautiful. I like the name. And thanks for sharing this :)

    (Dear Mars, thank you so much for your supports since the first time until now... You should know how much it means to me. I'm thankfull for having you as my friend... Stay amazing! Hugs!)

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  3. Adore the name. It is pretty catchy and goes well with the feel of the blog and shop.

    xo
    Sophie

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  4. LOL Festooned Macaroon sounds brilliant! Chicken Dinner Candybar is better yet though. All that detail about it I'd love to taste one :-)

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  5. Oh, that is such a hilarious name for a candy bar!! :) ANd I like that you chose it in the end, though. It's perfect. :)

    Be sure and drop by and leave a note! :)

    -Laila
    www.randomweavings.blogspot.com

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  6. i love knowing the origin of blog names.

    yours is one of the coolest though, you are right, it really is catchy!!

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  7. yes! try saying "chicken dinner candy bar" 3 times fast! very fun and catchy name...i'm hooked for sure! thats hilarious that it was a REAL thing...a lot of my family is from Milwaukee, so i'll have to ask if anyone ever tried one!

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  8. catchy name that you definitely can't forget! and i'm happy to know the story behind it now!

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  9. Fabulous post, I did wonder a bit, but always liked the name enough not to wonder why not!

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  10. I must admit, when I first saw the name I googled it! I think it is catchy and very fun!! ;D

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  11. I like the name. It's eccentric and your header is cute.

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  12. Your blog name always reminded me of the dinner gum in Willy Wonka! That's one of my favorite scenes in the movie. Now I'm hungry for a chicken dinner.

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  13. The wrapper for this product lists the following ingredients: Peanuts, light sweet coating, sweetened condensed milk, vegetable albumen, sugar, invert sugar, corn syrup, cocoanut oil, salt, lecithin, imitation vanilla.

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  14. I got a postcard of the Sperry's Chicken Dinner truck - any interest?

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  15. I own one of the Sperry Chicken Trucks. I am currently restoring it. If you are interested in seeing progress look for "chicken truck" on facebook.

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