Vintage Hot Spot – Schimpff’s Confectionery Jeffersonville, IN – Sweet Taste of Nostalgia by guest reporter Elizabeth Young

Walking along a quaint street in downtown Jeffersonville, IN, I was drawn into Schimpff’s Confectionery by the sweet scent of chocolate.  Once inside, I was delighted to find glass display cases stocked full of decadent homemade chocolates, hard candies and other such fanciful creations.  An old fashioned 1950s soda fountain offered cold ice cream treats and fountain drinks.  At lunchtime, a hungry shopper can sit down at one of the many tables and enjoy lunch counter fare.

In the connecting building, I found the most wonderful display of artifacts, candy making equipment, metal tins, candy boxes and advertising in the Schimpff’s Candy Museum.  Housed in beautiful antique wooden display cases, memorabilia and candy containers reflect American candy production and packaging for over 100 years.

Customers and tour groups can view candy being made in the large candy demonstration area.  Onlookers can watch the Schimpffs use turn of the century equipment and molds to churn out their famous Cinnamon Red Hots, Traditional Fish Candy and Candy Canes.   

Hours:  Monday through Friday 10-5

Saturday 10-3

Address:  347 Spring St. Jeffersonville, IN 47130

(812) 283-8367

I also had a chance to ask owners Jill and Warren a few questions about their lovely store and museum. 

Do you hold any special events at Schimpff’s?

Every year on April 11th, Schimpff’s holds an anniversary party.  Enjoy cake and treat yourself to Red Hots for 2 cents per 1/4 lb, the original price they sold for when the store opened in 1891.  In July, celebrate Fabulous 50s at the Fountain and enjoy 50% off all fountain items served by employees wearing poodle skirts and bobby socks.  On the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving come watch Ribbon Candy and the Striping of the Candy Canes.  It’s an annual tradition at Schimpffs.  Traditional Fish Candy is made on a regular basis from the end of September through October.

Is shopping independent stores and businesses important to you? 

“Absolutely,” say fourth generation owners Warren and Jill Schimpff.  They personally know the sacrifice that is made to keep a family business running.  They ran the Confectionery while still living in California for over ten years before retiring to Jeffersonville and moving above the business.  When the family is involved and visible, customers can ask questions and often relate to the history of the business.  Whenever possible, Warren and Jill visit family run bakeries, drug stores, movie houses and soda fountains across the United States.  “Everyone is so supportive of one another in small business,” says Jill.

While visiting Schimpff’s Confectionery in person will provide the best eye candy, there is always the option of mail order.  Visit Schimpff’s Online for a complete list of available items.

Elizabeth Young is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother’s Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!