Michael and I have lived in Idaho for more than a combined 110 years, and we have never been to the Idaho Candy Company. So, clearly, this is an activity that we both felt we had to try as well as add it to the list of Boyles Boise: 52 things to do and see.
First of all, going here was an absolute blast. We both really enjoyed the tour as well as the free samples! We did a bit of research beforehand to maximize our experience, but here is a little information on what we learned in the process:
The Idaho Candy Company began as a dream for T.O. Smith in his home in 1901. In 1909, Mr. Smith teamed up with the Adams family to build a modern factory at 412 South 8th Street in Boise to meet the needs of his customers. It was touted as the most modern building in Boise at the time. It included sky lights and a "welfare" or break room for the employees. This is the same 23,000 sq. ft. factory that they make their candies in today. Additionally, some of the equipment that was used in the early 1900's is still in use today.
In this factory, the Idaho Candy Company produced over 50 different candy bars over the years and many varieties of boxed chocolates. Some of the bar names included: Chicken Dinner Bar, Brazil Cremes, Mint Patty, Big Chief, Quarter Section, Fox Trot and many others. Three of those candy bars are still in production: Idaho Spud Bar (1918), Old Faithful Bar (1925) and the Cherry Cocktail Bar (1926). The factory also produces 3 varieties of Owyhee Butter Toffee (1925), available in original chunk style, bite sized and chocolate covered.
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