The Purpose of Sweetest Day

Do you know what the main purpose of sweetest day was? Sweetest Day originated in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio. This day was planned by 12 confectioners, which was chaired by a candymaker by the name of C. C. Hartzell. In 1921, the committee handed out over 20,000 boxes of candy, the ones to receive this small treat were orphans, old folks, newsboys, and poor people. The candy was handed out by some big named movie stars such as Ann Pennington, and Theda Bara.

After this several attempts to start a Sweetest Day in New York City were made. On October 8, 1922 candy companies even tried to start a “Candy Day” through-out the U.S.

September 25, 1937 the New York Times even took out a section under its news and notes area stating the NCA (National Confectioners Association) launched a movement to rank Sweetest Day,with Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. In 1940, they launched yet another Sweetest Day, this time more then 10,000 boxes were delivered to about 26 local charities.

Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio are the biggest Sweetest Day cities, mainly because Cleveland is where it all started, and Detroit because of the Sanders Candy Company. Sweetest day is not largely observed as our other major holidays, I personally feel it should go back how it was intended. I think candy companies should deliver boxes of candy to the orphans, poor folks, and the elder. If they were to do this more people may follow suit, and purchase candy to donate to those this day was intended for.

However, today people view Sweetest Day as a “Hallmark Holiday”, it wasn’t until 2006 when Hallmark, and American Greetings marketed greeting cards for Sweetest Day.

How do you feel about Sweetest Day, do you think it should go back to the way it was intended, or should it be removed completely?