It’s not every day that you can find vintage candy still being churned out the old fashioned way. But, if you’re going to find something special in America there’s a good chance it’s going to be in New Hampshire. Each year as the holidays get close, people head to this candy store in Weirs Beach where ribbon candy is still made by hand…as long as the weather cooperates!
It’s not easy to find ribbon candy and it’s even harder to find it being made by hand using one of the oldest machines in America.
Kellerhaus / Facebook
But, head to Kellerhaus in Weirs Beach and you’ll find a candy store that’s still making this vintage candy by hand, delighting locals and visitors alike.
Elida G / TripAdvisor
Dating back to 1906, this is one of the most historic candy shops in New England.
Elida G / TripAdvisor It all began when Otto G. Keller arrived for work at Phillips’ candy store in Laconia. After securing his job he owned the store within a year and in the early 1920s introduced homemade ice cream. In fact, he was the first person offering the delicious summer treat year round. Refrigeration had yet to be invented and his team used ice harvested from Lake Winnipesaukee to create their chilly treat.
From 2004 to 2017 the shop was owned and run by David and Mary Ellen Dutton who reported that they created at least 1,000 boxes of ribbon candy each season. Today you’ll find Daryl Dawson and Brian Head at the helm using the same beloved Keller family recipes.
Not only are they making this specialty candy by hand, but it’s being done in a machine built in 1886, which can only be used when the weather is the perfect mix of cold and dry. First, the sugar and water are boiled in this candy vacuum.
Kellerhaus / Facebook While made with just 3 ingredients - sugar, water, and seasoning oil - the process is one that must be done carefully to avoid any mistakes to the candy or the finicky machine.
Things at Kellerhaus are truly done by hand! After the candy vacuum, the 280 degrees of molten candy is poured onto the warming table.
Kellerhaus / Facebook
Then the warm molasses candy is turned on a hook to add air before it’s stretched into a ribbon and sent through the vintage crimper.
Kellerhaus / Facebook
This is where the ribbon is made into the perfect thin shape and texture.
Kellerhaus / Facebook
In order to make this holiday treat, weather conditions must be just right so keep your fingers crossed that there are enough cold, dry days to keep the boxes coming!
Visit NH Website
Kellerhaus / Facebook
Kellerhaus is located at 259 Endicott St. N. in Laconia, New Hampshire. You can visit them online here or check them out on Facebook. As the holidays get closer, you can give them a call on 603-366-4466 to check the status of this year’s ribbon candy production. They’re open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shop is closed on Tuesday.
Kellerhaus / Facebook
Elida G / TripAdvisor
It all began when Otto G. Keller arrived for work at Phillips’ candy store in Laconia. After securing his job he owned the store within a year and in the early 1920s introduced homemade ice cream. In fact, he was the first person offering the delicious summer treat year round. Refrigeration had yet to be invented and his team used ice harvested from Lake Winnipesaukee to create their chilly treat.
From 2004 to 2017 the shop was owned and run by David and Mary Ellen Dutton who reported that they created at least 1,000 boxes of ribbon candy each season. Today you’ll find Daryl Dawson and Brian Head at the helm using the same beloved Keller family recipes.
While made with just 3 ingredients - sugar, water, and seasoning oil - the process is one that must be done carefully to avoid any mistakes to the candy or the finicky machine.
Visit NH Website
If you’re a candy lovers, you’ve got to visit this shop in Littleton. They’ve got some of the best candy lined up on the longest candy counter in America!
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