Timeline

100th Anniversary

Chocolate With
The Story

1901

Charles Douglass opens his 1st candy store in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia PA

1901

1905

Charles moves to Wildwood to continue to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

1905

1917

Charlies opens a small candy concession on Cedar Ave *fun fact-Charles was an exemplary citizen of the Wildwoods. He was a prominent boardwalk business man, hotel operator, chairman of the Wildwood outing committee, board member of the chamber of commerce, executive committee member of the New Jersey State Hotel Association, and president of the Wildwood Golf Club

1917

1919

With the success of his candy concession, Charles opens Douglass Candies at Wildwood Ave and the Boardwalk
*fun fact-the factory was constructed from a recycled army barracks from Cape May (it still stands today)

1919

1922

Charles was always thinking of his customers so he decided to build a pavilion across the boardwalk from Douglass Candies so his customers could sit, get out of sun, and enjoy his confections. The pavilion is still used for this today.

1922

1941

Foudner Charles Douglass passes away peacefully in his home. His brother Joseph takes over, but sadly passes away a year later leaving the company to his beloved wife Minerva and their children Harvery, Charlie, and June
*fun fact-Joseph was also a very successful businessman. He lived in the famous Lemon Hill Mansion in Fairmont Park (Philadelphia, PA) where he owned a successful ice cream store. He later opened the Douglass Cafeteria on Oak and Atlantic Ave.(Wildwood Nj) The cafeteria specialized in homemade ice cream. Joseph also owned the Bellevue Hotel and Restaurant in Cape May Court House.

1941

1942

Douglass is temporary closed due to the sugar ration of WW2

1942

1947

Famous German chocolatier Frank Steiner, lovingly called “Oldie”, is brought on board to help enhance our techniques and recipes.
1947

1970

June takes sole ownership of Douglass Candies with her daughter Barbara aka “Babs”

1970

1994

Douglass Candies celebrates 75th Anniversary with special visit from then governor Christine Whitman

1994

2012

Barbara retires and passes business on to her beloved children, James and Jason. The 4th generation Douglass’ continue to run the business today, *fun fact-only 3% of family business’ make it to the 4th generation and beyond.

2012

2016

Douglass expands and opens a store on 96th St in Stone Harbor, NJ.

2016

2019

Douglass Candies celebrates their 100th anniversary!

2019

2024

Douglass Candies Ocean City boardwalk location grand opening

2024

History Gallery