Author Archives: Darlene Lacey

Darlene Lacey

About Darlene Lacey

Darlene is the author of "Classic Candy: America's Favorite Sweets, 1950-80" and curator of the Candy Wrapper Museum, which is comprised of her personal collection which she began as a teenager in the 70s. The CWM has been featured in numerous TV shows, magazines, newspapers and blogs, and made its art gallery debut in 2010 at the Scion Space's "Palate" show.

SWEET TALK— Super Nut and Rinkles!

Was it Emily Post who said said politics and polite conversation don’t mix? Or was it Ann Landers? Conventional wisdom might suggest that candy and politics also don’t mix, but history has shown us otherwise. Today, the Candy Wrapper Museum … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK—2016 V-Day Report: The Bar is Low

Have you ever seen that light in a woman’s eyes? “Which light?” you may ask. “The look of love? Or the look of horror?” Results may vary depending on your Valentine’s Day gift, and there can be a fine line. … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK—Happy Thanksgiving!

Yes, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and hopefully you remembered to come home with a tin of candy behind your back and a live turkey under your arm. So far, so good. But… what about Christmas? With every bite you savor and … Continue reading

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Sweet Talk—Days of Captain Chaos, Whistling Belly Buttons, and Litter Bugs

Halloween is not only a time for candy and celebrations, but it’s also a time to express yourself. Or, if you’re a kid, a time for your mom to express herself. This Halloween, I pay tribute to the Ghosts of … Continue reading

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Sweet Talk—Holy Trick-or-Treat, Batman!

It’s hard to believe it’s October already, and that we’re cruising into the holiday season. It seems like just yesterday when it was summer with clear blue skies and blistering temperatures around 100. Oh, wait—that would describe today. For those … Continue reading

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Sweet Talk—Last Minute Valentine’s Day Guide

Oh, no! Valentine’s Day evening is almost upon us. Statistics show that more candy and flowers are purchased on this day than any other day. People careen around town looking for “that thoughtful something.” All out of ideas? Well, keep … Continue reading

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Sweet Talk—Trick or Treat! Give Me Something Good to Eat!

Gather round, boys and ghouls, while I share a scary story. There was a dark time in days of yore when nobody gave out Halloween candy. Shocking, but true. Before the 1950s, Americans typically celebrated Halloween by hosting parties with … Continue reading

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Sweet Talk—Back to School with The Candy Wrapper Museum

Here we go again. Just when summer starts revving up, it comes screeching to a cruel stop when school bells ring. Summer is not even over! Neither is the summer heat, but despite the lack of oxygen, one must suddenly … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK—EASTER CANDY OLD AND NEW

Easter Sunday arrives this weekend, thus heralding the last chance to enjoy fresh holiday candy for the year until we manage to make it to October and the extended candy holiday season resumes. Like all holiday candy these days, Easter … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – 2014 VALENTINE’S DAY TREND REPORT

As the days of our modern world whirl about us, every simple task seems to become more complicated, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Any simple box of chocolates and flowers once would do, but now the candy shelves are … Continue reading

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