Wewer Family Revives Ashland's Sweet Legacy with Clear Toy Candy Demonstration

August 26, 2024

In a tribute to Ashland's confectionery history, the Wewer family brought the sweet nostalgia of Wewer's Candy store to life on Friday night, with a Clear Toy Candy demonstration.
The Wewer's, a prominent candy and ice cream parlor that operated in Ashland from 1895 to 1960, made a triumphant return as the family, armed with original equipment and recipes from their grandfather's era, recreated a beloved Holiday treat.

The event, attended by over 50 people, and hosted by the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society unfolded with the Wewer family generously distributing handfuls of Clear Toy Candy, delighting both those who fondly remembered the Ashland store.

Nestled in the 1000 block of Centre Street, the Wewer's Candy store had been an iconic fixture in the community, where, back in the day, children would find a pair of socks and a Clear Toy in their stockings every Christmas. The store, originally established by August Wewer in 1895 at 811 Centre Street, evolved into an establishment offering homemade candy, functioning as both an ice cream parlor and a soda shop. August Wewer's passion and craftsmanship in candy-making endured through the generations.

After August Wewer's passing in 1927, his children, William aka "Poppy" and Elizabeth Wewer, continued the family legacy. Tragedy struck with the untimely death of Elizabeth at the age of 39, leaving William as the sole proprietor. The store faced challenges when a fire caused significant damage on New Year's Eve in 1946, but resiliently rebuilt, continuing operations until its closure in 1960, just before Poppy Weaver's passing.

The legacy of Wewer's Candy store persists today, with the original Wewer Mosaic still visible on Centre Street.

Tim Wewer, the grandson of August Wewer, took center stage during the demonstration, joined by his son and daughter. The family showcased dozens of pre-made candies, shaped as cats, peacocks, trains, and various other items, all crafted from the extensive collection of cast iron molds acquired by Wewer over the years.

During the presentation, Tim Wewer shared insights into the candy's history, reflecting on its significance to his family. While the candy is not for sale, Wewer highlighted the annual tradition of crafting Clear Toy Candy as Christmas gifts for family members. He reminisced about years of experimenting with the recipe, fine-tuning ingredients, cooking methods, and temperatures.

As the evening unfolded, the Wewer family's demonstration not only revived the sweet flavors of the past but also created new memories.

Story and Photos by J. Reed / Skook News