By 1915 the Whitman's Sampler was the best-selling box of chocolates in America, thanks to its presence in 19,000 drugstores across the nation — which was no small feat back in the days before ubiquitous chains like CVS and Walgreens ruled. Could be much improved by saltier cashews. But that just means you can eat more before hitting chocolate coma. Experienced Whitman’s eaters need not reference said guide, though. Chocolate Whip. A superior version of Mounds and with a thick milk chocolate covering to boot! Whitman's (1) Box Assorted Chocolates Sampler - 19 Piece assortment featuring 12 Different Flavors - Holiday/Christmas Candy - Net Wt. Beginning in 1950, Whitman's enlisted some of Hollywood's biggest names to star in its advertisements: Big-deal movie stars like Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and Humphrey Bogart ensured that everyone in America had the Whitman's sampler top of mind (and they often agreed to appear in said ads in exchange for candy and a mention of their latest movie, rather than a fat check). You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Houston with no paywalls. WHITMANS CHOCOLATE VINTAGE CONFECTIONS BOX SAMPLER ANTIQUE ADVERTISING. The problem is, it is the right I according to the official brand guide. Since we started the Houston Press, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Houston, and we would like to keep it that way. ... Print Type Guide; The … Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Here now, everything you need to know about this classic confection: The Whitman’s story began way, way back in 1842, when a 19-year-old Quaker named Stephen F. Whitman opened a small candy shop near Philadelphia’s waterfront, hoping to give French confectioners a run for their money. Anyone with a real taste for fine chocolate will likely turn up their nose at Whitman’s waxy chocolate — and yet, it endures. Over the following decades, it … For decades, miniature Samplers packaged in tins emblazoned with the presidential seal have been given out to guests of the White House and Air Force One, and in 1991, the tell-tale yellow box in all its pseudo cross-stitched glory was given a permanent spot at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. Time left 6d 23h left. 4.3 out of 5 stars. New Listing Vintage 1959 A Holiday Story Sampler Published By Albert Whitman And Company. The short history for each decade is fact-packed and just long enough to keep all of the color photos from banging together, a Whitman Sampler of trucks." The elder Whitman's genius lied in his marketing savvy. What's missing? Pecan & English Walnut Cluster. newsletter, Russell Stover chocolates at that bus stop. Top prize goes to this guy.). 9. The nostalgia hits just thinking about it. Mezze-mezze. The Whitman's Sampler has also wormed its way into the collective pop culture consciousness, and is often referenced as a way of saying "an assortment" of something. Despite Forrest Gump’s insistence to the contrary (Gump was actually holding a box of Russell Stover chocolates at that bus stop), purchasers of a Whitman’s Sampler know exactly what they’re going to get: It was the first box of chocolates to come equipped with an index of all the flavors printed under the lid, and several years ago that was expanded into an illustrated flavor key that ensures there are no unpleasant surprises (like biting into that dreadful cherry cordial when you just wanted a damn caramel). 5. Early on he invested in newspaper ads and marketing campaigns aimed at women, men, and children. 13. They are great gifts for Valentine's, Christmas, Easter and even house warmings. Whitman's Sampler Assorted Chocolate 24 Ounce Box Whitman's Sampler Assortment Box; An Assortment of Nutty, Chewy, Creamy, Crispy Milk Chocolate Covered Candies and Dark Chocolate Covered Candies. In 1915, a messenger boy was added to the Whitman's Sampler box, which became a symbol of quality. More cute than crazy good. It's not enough to reference a generic box of chocolates: the Whitman's Sampler has been so consistently omnipresent in drugstores across America for so long that it has come into its own as a cultural icon. Coconut. By 1915 the Whitman's Sampler was the best-selling box of chocolates in America, thanks to its presence in 19,000 drugstores across the nation — … Chocolate Covered Peanuts. 11. Caramel. Oh, the Whitman’s Sampler. The Houston Press may earn a portion of sales from products & services purchased through links on our site from our affiliate partners. 4. By far my favorite. Terms, The excitement of not knowing what’s inside each one was just too much to bear. Privacy, Chocolate Covered Almonds. Vintage Whitman Sampler Holiday Christmas Candy Tin Box 1998 Hand Stitched Cross Stitch MatchmakerMatchmaker. I believe another year in school and the national exposure our program should get next year could possibly make him a lottery pick. Toffee. Shop this gift guide Everyday finds Shop this gift guide Price ($) Any price Under $25 $25 to $50 $50 to $75 Over $75 ... Vintage Whitman Sampler Holiday Christmas Candy Tin Box 1998 Hand Stitched Cross Stitch MatchmakerMatchmaker. C $9.10. Extra caramel makes this chocolate a cut above the rest. Lift Up Local, But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. How the Whitman's Sampler became an American icon. Other than the fear of injury, I think he should return. 9. Join the Press community and help support independent local journalism in Houston. A bit stiff, nutty, but sweet at the end of the day. ", • Over 1 billion Whitman’s Sampler boxes have been sold since the company’s inception, • One Whitman’s Sampler is sold approximately every 2.5 seconds, • The most popular box is the classic 30-piece assortment, which retails for $10.99, • A typical 30-piece box has 1,700 calories and 90 grams of fat, which is the equivalent of three Big Macs. The company endured the Great Depression without cutting prices or corners, and in 1939 launched one of the most successful — and long-running — ad campaigns in the history of candy: "A Woman Never Forgets the Man Who Remembers" perfectly positioned the Whitman’s Sampler as a go-to gift for husbands and boyfriends who failed to think ahead but still wanted to seem thoughtful. It originally held a pound of chocolates and now it’s empty, just begging for another life. Take them or leave them. 1. Wouldn't eat more than one unless you paid me. The box is a bonus. When using a one color version, this is “correct”. Just a square of milk chocolate with an image of messenger carrying a disproportionately big Whitman's sampler. Cashew Cluster. Not bad, but personally I prefer Hershey's. The Whitman's Sampler was introduced in 1912, and became popular over time. ©2021 Houston Press, LP. Add to Cart. Sharp’s claim to fame is the signature Whitman’s Sampler. Almond Nougat. It was not until 1912, however, that the company introduced the Whitman's Sampler. By the early 1900s, Whitman’s chocolates were a drugstore staple across the nation, but the company’s signature Sampler assortment didn’t hit the market until 1912. The name, Whitman's Sampler, determined its contents as well--a custom assortment of pieces from 10 of its best-selling packages. It measures about 7.75” x 5” 14. Sharp also created the Whitman's Sampler®, an assortment of the company's best-selling chocolates. Not as rich as those fancy schmany European types (like Leonidas). 0 bids. Football is cheating with their helmets and they are using a modified one color version in many places around the Smith center. He was intent upon creating a household name, and by the middle of the 19th century the Whitman brand was synonymous with chocolate in America. CONDITIONThis 82+ year old Item is rated Very Fine +++. Whitman's Sampler Assorted Chocolate 24 Ounce Box Whitman's Sampler Assortment Box; An Ass… The Dowager Countess of the Whitman's Sampler. There are 112 whitman's sampler for sale on Etsy, and they cost $15.56 on average. Pre-Owned. The milk chocolate coating is great but the nuts themselves rather bland. Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. And despite no longer being on the forefront of what’s cool or desirable in the chocolate world, the sugary assortment remains a staple to this day, particularly around Valentine’s Day when red heart-shaped boxes hit the shelves. Decrypting which filling lies ahead is as simple as examining the shape of each chocolate: A square shape denotes caramels (arguably the most desirable of the flavors); a rectangle means nougat filling; oval chocolates typically contain fudge; the soft-centered flavors, including the rather dreadful cherry cordial, are round; and nut clusters are easily identified by their craggy surface. Yeah, it needs wine. Horace stepped down and Walter Sharp became the company’s president. The chocolates are tasty but not too sweet. I've not seen his name anywhere near the 1st round. Like other longstanding American candies, Whitman's survived rationing and decreased production during the World Wars by supplying servicemen and women with boxes of chocolates. C $84.62. Scrumptious but be very wary if you have any permanent dental work. Visit the Whitman's Store. By clicking 'X' or continuing to use the site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. 8. A decidedly outdated-looking faux-cross-stitched yellow box filled with chocolate truffles, coconut bonbons, and gooey cherry cordials, it is as normcore as candy gets, the chocolate equivalent of Jerry Seinfeld’s dorky white high-tops. About Us, There are four Russell Stover factories in the U.S. 6. Each 12-ounce box contains a double tier of 14 different flavors. First, some things you need to know: 1) I purchased two of the standard 6.25oz heart boxes of 12 chocolates, to make sure they weren’t mixing things … No risk no reward. It’s perfect for storage in the craftroom, a place for keys, coupons, trinkets etc. The most common whitman's sampler material is porcelain & ceramic. First and foremost, some sort of milk or dark chocolate covered marshmallow chocolate. With its classic yellow box featuring cross-stitched edges, the Whitman’s Sampler has been giving the impression that it’s been around forever — but it’s this year that it actually turns 100. 1929 Ad Whitmans Sampler Box Chocolates Candies Candy Croquet Lovers NGM3 $43.95 USD 1929 Ad Whitmans Sampler Box Chocolates Candies Candy Croquet Lovers NGM3. Having celebrities and Presidents associated with it certainly helps. Seasonal flavors like strawberry cream, pumpkin marshmallow, and mint chocolate patties are occasionally introduced . Based on what I’ve seen online, I think this Whitman’s Sampler candy box might be from the 40s. Careers, Follow Eating Our Words on Facebook and on Twitter @EatingOurWords. $43.95 USD. More cute than crazy good. 8 oz 4.1 out of 5 stars 104 $17.99 Did you scroll all this way to get facts about whitman's sampler? This is an original 1929 black and white print ad for Whitman's Sampler chocolates. 12. Help, Houston's independent source of local news and culture. 2. During World War II, servicemen and women who got a Whitman's Sampler from family and friends spread the word about it once they returned home. The brainchild of the company's then president, the inspiration came from a cross-stitched sampler handmade by his grandmother. A fuckin' Whitman's Sampler? Support Us To find out more, visit our cookies policy and our privacy policy. Thank you so much for watching ! The box of candy also makes some more literal cameos in movies and television: In season five of The Sopranos, Tony says to mob boss Johnny Sack, "What do you want, an apology? Also a peanut butter cream. Top Rated Seller Top Rated Seller From United States. I bought the Giant Whitmans Sampler at Big Lots. The name of this box refers both to its contents, an array of the company’s most popular confections, as well as the homespun — and sometimes elaborate — packaging design. So, yes, it's good. Needs more heft in flavor and in texture. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our terms of use, our cookies policy, and our privacy policy. Cherry Cordial. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox, This Week in Houston Food Events: Pizza Deals and Valentine's Day Dining, Some Houston Area Grocery Stores Reducing Hours Because of Cold Weather [UPDATED], Know What You're Getting in This Box of Chocolates: A 12-Ounce Whitman's Sampler, Analyzed. 10. Over the decades, it reached a level in American pop culture in that it was mentioned in many TV shows, movies, and the like. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS: California Privacy Policy | California Collection Notice | Do Not Sell My Info. 7. Messenger Boy. Well you're in luck, because here they come. The freshest news from the food world every day, Sign up for the Life isn't like a box of chocolates when that box is a 12-ounce Whitman's Sampler because you pretty much always know what you're gonna get. Inspired by a cross-stitched sampler hanging in his home, Sharp worked with a skilled employee to create the sampler that's reproduced on Sampler boxes to this day. Between 1926 and 1964, the Philadelphia-based company sought embroidery from local dealers. They're in Abilene, KS; Iola, KS; Coriscana, TX; … This chocolate is for Mainers. The Whitman’s Sampler, a collection of the company’s most popular products, was first released in 1912, and it quickly became a best seller. Chocolate Truffle. This design was inspired by a cross-stitch sampler made by the Sharp’s great-aunt. Readers, you got any recommendations for superb boxes o' chocolates? But whichever box you wind up with, you'll likely get some combination of the following flavors (or variations thereof): caramel, coconut, molasses chew, chocolate-covered peanuts and/or almonds, cashew and/or pecan-walnut clusters, cherry cordial, maple fudge, chocolate-covered toffee, and the nougat-y chocolate whip. Artisan, bean-to-bar chocolate may be all the rage these days, but at one point in time, the Whitman’s Sampler was the pinnacle of giftable sweets. There are two of these bad boys per tier (4 per box) which means many, many opportunities to just almost chip your teeth on the pleasantly-painfully hard milk chocolate toffee logs. Whitman's operated as an independent chocolate company until 1993 when it was acquired by Russell Stover Candies, a company founded in 1923 and now based in Kansas City, Missouri. Makes other nougat chocolates (here's looking at you, 3 Musketeers) seem god-awful by comparison. In this era of bearded hipster chocolatiers and high-dollar, single-origin bars, the Whitman’s Sampler is a rare untouched relic of pre-food obsessed America. As the popularity of the Sampler grew, Whitman’s collected actual samplers. Maybe I just have to move on to a whole new sampler. Almond Nougat. We use cookies to collect and analyze information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and customize content and advertisements. Although the sampler is billed as an "assortment," this confection collection inevitably includes, for better or for worse, certain stock chocolate types. Like eating an ultra-dense dark chocolate pancake doused in maple syrup. 3. Whitmans sampler has been a favorite since childhood. Staff, Molasses Chew. These days there are several different iterations of the Whitman's Sampler, from mini 1.75 ounce boxes to a gigantic 40-ounce box. While the contents of the Whitman's sampler are certainly diverse, they are by no means comprehensive. Case in point: When reporting on a government scandal in New York State, The Daily Show's Jon Stewart referred to Albany as "a veritable Whitman's Sampler of corruption." Just a square of milk chocolate with an image of messenger carrying a disproportionately big Whitman's sampler. Whether consumers were amused by the double meaning or not, Whitman’s Sampler quickly became the company’s signature product. Openings and Closings: The Houston Winter Storm Version, Houston Kroger Stores Cope With High Demand, Storm Damage. The sugar to cocoa ratio is off and the filling just a bit mealy. Under the lid is a diagram that shows what chocolates are where so … In 1869, Whitman’s son Horace took over company operations and, as a way to ensure freshness, introduced the use of cellophane to chocolate packaging for the first time. That “Whitman’s Sampler” you got for Valentine’s Day? In 2014 both Russell Stover and Whitman's were acquired by Switzerland-based Lindt & Sprungli. This in turn yielded a sort of nostalgia effect, guaranteeing that subsequent generations of Americans would come to associate Whitman's as a wholesome treat. Tastes like cough syrup. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. or Best Offer Suddenly, I’m 8 years old, scouring the sampler trying to … All rights reserved. The stitching design of the package inspire… And here's what I think of 'em: (By the way, I am definitely not the first person to expound in detail about the contents of a Whitman's Sampler. Whitman's Sampler Milk Chocolate Assorted Boxed Candy- - Lot of 2 Boxes 4.5 out of 5 stars (6) 6 product ratings - Whitman's Sampler Milk Chocolate Assorted Boxed Candy- - Lot of 2 Boxes Contact Us, Maple Fudge.