Benne Candy Ephemera

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication.

Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Benne Candy Ephemera, 1930's, Ms2025-052, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
The collection contains three papers in relation to Benne Candy. A menu and order form from Charleston, South Carolinia, also a brief historical description of the candy from Savannah, Georgia.
Language:
The material in this collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Benne Candy Ephemera, 1930's, Ms2025-052, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains three papers in relation to Benne Candy. The menu and blank order form are from the 'Colonial Belle Kitchen,' in Charleston, South Carolina, where Miss Wilson sold the Benne Candy. The third item is from the 'Savannah Benne Candy Company,' located in Savannah, Georgia, and includes a short description of the orgin of Benne Candy.

Biographical / historical:

Miriam B. Wilson, owner of the 'Colonial Belle Kitchen,' traveled from Ohio to Charleston, South Carolinia, and in the 1920's opened the kitchen downtown. In 1938 she opened the Old Slave Mart Museum, and moved her store into the museum. The kitchen sold confectionary treats and advertised that the treats were made using enslaved peoples' recipes, such as the Benne Candy.

External Source:

Yuhl, S. E. 2013. Hidden in Plain Sight: Centering the Domestic Slave Trade in American Public History. The Journal of Southern History, 79(3), 593–624. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23795089. Accessed July 7, 2025.

Acquisition information:
The Benne Candy Ephemera was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in February 2018.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Benne Candy Ephemera was completed in July 2025.