There are so many great goodies to garnish your children’s Easter Baskets with. You have iconic brands like Lindt with their specialty chocolate bunny curations, as well as the classic Cadbury Crème Eggs, selections by Russell Stover, and many others. And who can forget about Hershey’s multiple culminations, Reese’s Eggs, and Peeps?
Depending on your specific residency within the Mid-Atlantic region, the latter three options may even be considered local legend staples. While Pennsylvania lays the ultimate claim to fame as the contested candy-producing Mid-Atlantic locale, other neighboring states, by regional association, like to take credit too. That isn’t to say that they themselves don’t have their own home base candy credentials worth exploring, though.
You probably know by now that Maryland, with its reputation as “America in Miniature,” is home to many impressive business ventures. Among these are some pretty prolific candy and confectionery companies, some of which even boast international acclaim. Adding to the list are numerous family-owned operations. Some are hometown hidden gems that largely stay humbly out of the limelight except during certain seasons and holidays, when they shine brightly and do big business. Two examples proudly fitting the bill here are none other than Mary Sue Candies and Log Cabin Chocolates.
These long-time quintessential candy operations do particularly well around Easter time, when some of their most famed headliner products take the cake (or in this case, the Easter Basket). For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m delving into a brief look at how both companies rose from modest beginnings and went on to become essential inclusions for so many Easter traditions, far and near alike.
Mary Sue Candies
Mary Sue Candies have been a beloved Baltimore-based tradition for nearly 80 years. It all started back in 1948 as a collaboration between two friends and their families, operating out of a rowhouse in the city. One of the men, Harry, had two daughters. One was named Mary and the other named Sue—the inspiration for the company’s labelling.
Growing popularity prompted operations to expand, starting with the accumulation of more neighboring rowhomes before finally opening a factory on Caton Avenue in Baltimore in 1955. Years later, in 1996, Mary Sue joined forces with Naron, which has a history dating back to 1905. The Buppert family of Ruxton Chocolates has been at the helm of onsite operations since 2001.
Throughout its ongoing tenure, Easter candies and specialties have been the most lucrative offerings. Their famed nougat eggs are the stuff legends are made of.
“Easter is our busiest time of year,” President Bill Buppert proclaims. “We produce millions, if not tens of millions, of eggs for the holiday.” He also went on to attest to the hardworking, knowledgeable staff he employs.
“This job takes a lot of hand-eye coordination. Candy making is a very special trade and requires a unique food background. All of our eggs truly are handmade.”
The company boasts 50 or so workers, most of whom have been in the business and members of Mary Sue for countless years.
“One of the things that sets us apart is that we are a small company and we stayed true to our roots,” Buppert said. “We make sure that the quality of our products is up to the standards of our customers, many of whom have been buying our products for 50 to 60 years.” Learn more about Mary Sue on their website.
Log Cabin Chocolates
Another long-time family-owned chocolate company in Maryland is Log Cabin Chocolates. As it just so happens, they’ve been upholding Easter traditions throughout the greater Baltimore region for more than a century! As for fame and popularity around the Easter season, they raise the question, “Why just search for Easter eggs, when at Log Cabin Chocolates in Fallston, you can have the whole bunny and more?”
The company was established back in 1920, originally based in Baltimore. But they’ve been at their Fallston location in Harford County since 1960. Current owner of the day-to-day is Allison Borsella, a granddaughter of founders Bernard and Edna Rudell.
Sadly, it’s been recently announced that this will be the Fallston location’s last Easter, against the owner’s wishes. But this doesn’t spell the end of the family’s candy business legacy, Borsella confirms. As she explained, she’s made ties with numerous local businesses that proudly vend and support the Log Cabin brand, including Zeke’s Coffee in Baltimore, Ale Craft Brewing in Bel Air, and Maryland-based Route One Apparel. Furthermore, she is even now actively seeking out a new location to carry on chocolate creations and collaborations onsite. It’s bittersweet, though, being forced to let go of the building your own grandparents so lovingly structured on their own while seizing new opportunities for growth and expansion! You can keep updated on all Log Cabin Chocolates news on their Facebook.
Many other local candy brands do big business during the Easter season as well as during other times throughout the year. Consider shopping local while supporting small, independent, family-owned and operated businesses this season as you lovingly line your Mid-Atlantic-themed Easter Baskets this Sunday.