It’s amazing how the ideas for many enduring American products originated from ordinary people who were able to turn their passion into a thriving business; such is the case with Katharine Beecher Candies. Katharine Beecher was a Manchester, PA, housewife who enjoyed handcrafting tasty treats for her family and friends. The Great Depression was in full swing, and even something as simple as a sweet candy treat went a long way toward lifting the spirits of families who were having a hard time making ends meet.
One of Katharine’s specialties was her handcrafted Butter Mints. Made with real creamery butter and other natural ingredients such as salt, sugar, corn syrup and oil of peppermint, Katharine’s candy concoction caused such a stir and the demand was so great that she decided to transform her Manchester kitchen into a mini candy factory in 1931. It wasn’t long before her Butter Mints were being enjoyed by people throughout York County and Central PA.
The Expansion of the Katharine Beecher Brand
The Katharine Beecher product line continued to expand over the years. In 1974, the Warrell Corporation purchased Katharine Beecher Candies and made it one of its flagship brands. Katharine Beecher is one of four brands the company now owns.
In addition to the signature Butter Mints, which now also feature Party Mints and Glazed Nuts, the Katharine Beecher product line also includes:
