Wednesday, March 17, 2010

I Was A See's Candies Girl








This week on Jenilee's Wednesday's Walk I thought I would share about the time in my life when I worked at See's Candies in Southern California. It was really one of my first jobs, and I loved working there. I took a tour of the factory and was amazed at the sparkling clean facilities and all of the equipment and special processes it took to make so many different kinds of candy.

If you have ever eaten See's Candy you know it is the best! And they have such a variety to choose from. Back in those days some of my favorites were the Butterscotch Squares, Scotch Kisses, Bordeaux, Chocolate Buttercreams, Mocha's, Light and Dark Chocolate Truffles, California Brittle...oh I could go on and on and on! I loved it all. Even the crisp little Molasses Chips that come in every pre-packed box. They are very unique tasting, and kind of grow on you. (:>)

I weighed 118 pounds back then and I ate that candy all of the time and never gained weight! Boy those were the days! Now days everything I eat makes the scales go up and up it seems. But my metabolism was higher in those days I guess...plus I was young and way more active. (And yes I was sort of a blonde back then...my dark hair was frosted).

Holidays were always a very busy time at See's. People would crowd into the little shop and we would personally pack 1, 2, 3 or 5 pound boxes as the people picked out all of their favorites. Then we would weigh the boxes and then wrap them in festive paper for the current holiday, or on regular days we'd use the standard white paper and put our little seals on each end. The paper is pre-cut to the size of the boxes and we could wrap those babies in no time! People would usually be in a good mood in our little shop while they waited in line to pick their candy, but just to make sure we would give them a sample or two to satisfy them.

In the summertime they would add some of their white chocolate coated candies and summer collections that didn't melt as easily. And also some colorful bonbons. At Easter they would have these wonderful fruit and nut eggs and various other specialties.

All of the time they carried their world famous lollipops. I loved those too. They came in butterscotch, chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and peanut butter.

People send See's Candies for special occasions like Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's, Christmas, Easter, Halloween...you name it...everyone loves to receive candy...especially See's Candy!

The uniform was a white dress with a black sweater and a big bow pin that had our name tags. I still have my bow and name tag. My brother bought me a Barbie Doll that they made especially for See's Candies and my husband keeps it downstairs with my bow, and some other See's collectibles. He is sentimental because I was a See's girl when he met me back in 1975.

It was such a happy place, and I have very fond memories from my years of working there.

Join in the fun today and take a memory walk! Just click on the button and add your post to Jenilee's link.

17 comments:

Jenilee said...

I LOVE your stories!!! How cute are you in that candy outfit! :) love the barbie collectable too. Thanks for sharing this with all of us today!!!!

Deanna said...

Dear Linda,
Enjoyed reading about a bright time in your life.
Now I 'sees' what 'cha been up to!
It's been awhile for me that i've had See's, but yes, I like their candy.
God bless and may you have a sweet Wednesday/St. Pat's Day,
d

Kristin said...

That is so neat! It is amazing how much Lynnette looks just like you! I have never heard of See's Candy. Where have I been?! That is so neat that they made a Barbie doll for it! What a fun story!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

What a yummy job that must have been. Sounds like my kind of place! Love the picture of you...and the one of the doll...so cute. I miss visiting with you, dear friend. Hope you are well!

Love to you...

Life Is Crazy Beautiful said...

See's Candies are definitely THE BEST! It really was a nurse's uniform with a black bow tie & sweater, wasn't it? ;) And you are a BABY in that picture...I'm not sure I ever remember feeling that young, let alone my mama!!! But you still are/always will be. A fun memory to share...

Love you, Lisa

Karin said...

What a sweet story!!! Thanks for sharing!

Good to be a Queen said...

This is a great story....And you were a beautiful Candy Girl...

Stacey said...

Great pic!

Visiting from Wednesdays walk!

http://staceyplaisance.blogspot.com

Caroline said...

What a great place to work. I enjoyed the story. Thanx for sharing.
Caroline

Diana said...

You haven't changed a bit, Linda! Still a beautiful lady. That's really a great photo of you. So sweet that your husband met you at that time and is so sentimental about it. And how cool is that to have a See's Barbie! Awesome! Mmmmmm, just thinking of some of those flavors... *drool drool* Thank you for making us crave... er, I mean, for sharing your candy days memories with us. Hehe! :-)

P. S. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such lovely comments. ♥

Melanie Eccles said...

mmm, what a GREAT first job! :D

Holly said...

I love candy so I love this post! I have never heard of See's Candies before. I'm sure it's good!! That would've been a pretty fun and interesting job. I'd def eat a lot!

DeeAnna said...

Linda,
I love See's Candy. I grew up in Central California, and my dad bought the suckers for business trade shows. My brothers and I would sneak them! What great memories!!(I once ate an entire "Nuts and Chews" box all by myself when I was pregnant!

Lisa said...

That is sweet that your brother bought you the Barbie. I'm not familiar with See's...maybe its not an east coast thing?

Beautiful blog!

Unknown said...

You are so right - See's Candies are amazingly yummy! I have fond memories from you giving them to us when I was a child. I remember firecrackers filled with candy... butterscotch kisses (my personal favorite), and of course the suckers - YUM!!! I might just have to order a box for old time sake. I'm sad you'll never be able to eat them again, but you probably ate enough back them to last you a lifetime anyway, huh? :) Just trying to be positive! ha!

I love the picture of you - too cute.
Love you momma.
Lynnette

Anonymous said...

Great story!..Glad I got to stop by and read it...even though it's Sunday..yikes.. I am a little over due!.. Hope all is well in your world..Blessings oxoxoxoxo

Becca said...

What a yummy place to work! AND look at the picture of you!! 118lbs?! You were a tiny little thing! I am loving that Barbie too, how neat is that!?!

Hope you have been doing well! I enjoy reading all of your Wednesday's Walk posts!