Taffy is one of our oldest forms of candy, dating back to the early 19th Century. One of the main ingredients was molasses. Because of this, it had to be pulled and stretched in order to soften it into an edible piece. By the middle of the century, "Taffy Pulling" was almost a sport - spectator and something to participate in also.
Most people know it to be called "Salt Water Taffy". It got that name in the later part of the century, when a storm hit the east coast of the United States. Taffy was very popular on the Boardwalk, in Atlantic City. And after the storm, the ocean waves had damaged many of the candy merchant's establishments causing them to close down. One merchant decided to open a temporary shop. When the people asked him if he had any taffy, he replied, "Yes, but it's Salt Water Taffy", joking about how the salty water had ruined business. But the name stuck and became key to the sales. But it is not made with salt water!
Old-Fashioned Salt Water Taffy is still very popular at Laura's "Sweet Memories", my shop in Mansfield, MO.
Happy National Taffy Day!
The Old Man in the Bib Overalls
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