Beech-Nut Packing Company entered the gum making business in
1910 and diversified from there, eventually making everything from catsup to
baby food. I can’t say I’ve ever tried Beech-Nut, but my dad always had a pack
of their competitors gum (Juicy Fruit) in his shirt pocket. I still remember
the story he told me that if the gum didn’t pop it was spoiled, after which he’d
give me a new stick.
This 1938 ad from Life
Magazine also mentions two other Beech-Nut products: Beechies and Oralgene.
Beechies were the equivalent to Chicklets, little candy-coated gums in a box.
Oralgene was touted as a dental aid which “gives your mouth, teeth, and gums
beneficial exercise...”
Though I have fond memories of these stick gums, I have to
admit that any time I got a pack in my Halloween haul my first thought was “wow,
that’s weird…”
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