by Renee Allen

Created on: August 21, 2007   Last Updated: August 22, 2007

The world looks mighty good to me
'cause Tootsie Rolls are all I see
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a Tootsie Roll to me
Tootsie Roll how I love your chocolaty chew
Tootsie Roll I think I am love with you
Whatever it is I think I see
Becomes a Tootsie Roll to me

Who hasn't heard this jingle or seen the classic TV commercial for Tootsie Rolls? Tootsie Rolls have been a part of Americana since 1896 and are now known as a "national institution". Leo Hirschfield, an Austrian immigrant, created the Tootsie Roll in 1896. Hirschfield operated a small candy shop in New York City, selling primarily chocolate candy. In an effort to create a candy that would not melt in the heat of the summer, he created the Tootsie Roll. Hirschfield used a recipe he brought with him from Austria to create a chocolaty, chewy candy. He named the candy after his five-year-old daughter, using her nickname "Tootsie". Each candy was hand rolled and wrapped individually. The Tootsie Roll was the first wrapped penny candy in America. The launch of this chocolaty, chewy candy was very successful and by 1905 it was being produced out of a four-story candy factory in New York City. During the early days these hand-rolled candies were delivered to customers by horse-drawn carriage. During 1917 the name of the company was changed to the Sweets Company of America and they began to advertise nationally. This helped boost the Tootsie Roll empire. Today there are more than 60 million Tootsie Rolls produced each day. Enough candies are produced in a year to stretch to the moon and back.

The Tootsie Roll is one of the few, if not only items in American history to have avoided a price increase. The Tootsie Roll still sells for one penny, the original price. It still looks as it did when it was first created. In addition, they are still produced using the same basic recipe that Hirschfield first used over 100 years ago.

The Tootsie Roll has been an integral part of Americana. During Word War II the military added Tootsie Rolls to the soldier's rations. Presumably, because it is able to withstand harsh weather conditions. In addition, Tootsie Roll has sponsored some popular children's shows including Howdy Doody, Rin Tin Tin, Rocky and Bullwinkle and the Lone Ranger. It is said that Frank Sinatra was buried with several Tootsie Rolls.

During its 110 year history, the Tootsie Roll has been used for more than just satisfying snack cravings. A dentist used them for mouth molds. A football player put them in his sock before a big game for good luck. Tootsie Rolls have even been used to cook with. Recipes include a Tootsie Roll Ice Cream Sauce and a Tootsie Roll cheesecake. Today Tootsie Rolls are one of the most popular candies during Halloween.

Learn more about this author, Renee Allen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.