On April 12, Cookie and Johnny picked up approximately 60 boxes of Whitman’s samples from the Russell Stover outlet in Caroline County
Russell Stover began in 1923. Clara and Russell Stover begin making candy in the kitchen of their Denver bungalow home. The company, initially employing seven employees, is first known as Mrs. Stover’s Bungalow Candies.
Whitman’s Sampler, now owned by Russell Stover, goes back further. Originally a "confectionery and fruiterer shoppe" set up in 1842 by 19-year-old, Stephen F. Whitman on the Philadelphia waterfront, Whitman’s first became popular with traveling sailors and their wives. They would often bring imported fruits, nuts and cocoa, obtained during their voyages, to Mr. Whitman so that he could make the popular European confections people craved in that era.
The Russell Stover outlet at Ruther Glenn is unfortunately closing. (It is the only one in Virginia). They offered to donate chocolates to non-profits. St. Peter’s signed up. Cookie and Johnny volunteered to transport them. They loaded up the truck and brought 60 boxes of candies to St. Peter’s. They are each 2.5 pound boxes.
We will be offering them as part of the Village Harvest Food Distribution, April 18, 3pm-5pm