Shaping candy the old fashioned way

Prior to the turn of the 20th century, candy makers utilized machinery which required a little bit of "elbow grease" since they did not have the luxury of electric machines.

After the candy was made, it was cooled just a little bit into a pliable consistency which allowed them to roll out and flatten so that the candy could be fed into hand cranked machines that would shape the candy into different designs/images.

Candy makers also utilized large metal hooks to stretch the pliable candy which would add air lightening the candy. These hooks were not only used for hard candy but in most cases they were used for taffy.

One of the more notable confection and bakery equipment manufacturers during this period was Thomas Mills & Bros. from Philadelphia, PA. They made everything from large industrial equipment to mom and pop store type machinery.

Here is a selection of different types of machinery (top to bottom): Thomas Mills & Bros. Jackson 8 Ball Cutter, Wood & Selick Fruit Drop Machine, Thomas Mills & Bros. Kiss Cutting Machine, Thomas Mills & Bros. Square Stick Candy Machine, Champion Ribbon Candy Forming Machine with original box and hardware, Thomas Mills & Bros. One Piece Candy/Taffy Hook, and Thomas Mills & Bros. Removable Candy/Taffy Hook.