The Revolutionary History of Mary Jane Candy

Did you love or hate these?

Mary Janes are bite-sized pieces of peanut butter taffy – best known for their iconic yellow and red packaging. If these feel like they've been around for as long as you can remember...it's because they have! 

Whether you love or hate these, we can all agree that they're a classic in the world of retro candy. 

Who Invented Them?

Mary Janes were invented by Charles H. Miller, an entrepreneur from Boston. Determined to break into the candy making business, he started making candy in his own kitchen. He spent 30 years crafting the perfect treat – and finally, in 1914, Mary Janes were born!

The peanut butter and molasses candies were sold in penny candy stores, where they became known for being inexpensive. Their slogan was "use your change for Mary Janes!"

Where Did the Name Come From?

Miller named the candy after his favorite aunt. Some say that the name actually came from a popular Buster Brown comic strip, which features a character named Mary Jane – but no one really knows for sure! 

The British Are Coming! 

One of the strangest things about this candy? They were made in the same house where Paul Revere once lived! Yep – before Miller's house was a makeshift candy factory, it was the home of this American Revolution hero. He even lived there when the Midnight Ride happened! 

NECCO and Mary Janes 

In the late '80s, Mary Janes were sold to NECCO – the same company that once made many of out favorite treats. Today, they're made by Atkinson Candy Co. 

But here's something funny: When NECCO took over, they produced the candies in Revere, Massachusetts. The irony! 

Want to take a trip down memory lane? Get Mary Janes HERE. 

Do you like Mary Janes? Do you have any memories of them from your childhood? Let us know in the comments!