1.
In 1847, Oliver Chase invented a machine to cut candy wafers, and the abomination called the "hub wafer" was born
2.
NECCO stands for New England Confectionary Company. It's the oldest candy company in the U.S.
3.
The original 8 flavors are lemon, lime, orange, clove, cinnamon, wintergreen, licorice, and chocolate.
4.
In 2009, they changed the recipe to all-natural flavors and colors
5.
Since they couldn't find a good natural lime color, they eliminated Lime
6.
Everyone HATED the change, and sales plummeted. They switched back in 2011.
7.
They were made in Chicago for a while in the 1800s, but the factory burned in the great Chicago Fire.
8.
Union soldiers carried "hub wafers" during the Civil War.
9.
Admiral Richard Byrd took 2 tons of NECCO wafers on his polar expedition in the '30s
10.
During WWII, the factory manufactures war materials and NECCO wafers are part of soldiers' rations
11.
The Cambridge, MA factory used to have this awesome painted water tower
12.
Right now they're hiring wafer counters
13.
NECCO wafters are gluten-free AND Kosher. Mazel tov!
14.
They have a chocolate version, which means they've figured out how to make chocolate gross.
15.
If you mix NECCO wafers and Pepsi, it'll light on fire
16.
NECCO got into the music business, weirdly
17.
NECCO also makes those nasty candy hearts...
20.
And Squirrell Nut Zippers. Basically all the gross old people candies.
21.
It is totally acceptable to T.P. the house of anyone who gives out NECCO wafers on Halloween
