UPDATE: Schmidt's Candies will be featured on the TV Program "NYC Originals" on Wednesday, June 23rd at 9:30 PM. That's on the NYC Life Channel -- Channel 25 on Time Warner Cable. Check your local listings. Typically, they re-run the show the next day at noon.
Whenever folks from Woodhaven are reminiscing about their youth, or the old days, one thing you can guarantee is that someone will mention Schmidt's Candy Store. Located at 94-15 Jamaica Avenue, Schmidt's is dear to all of our hearts because it has been around all of our lives. Founded in 1925, and entering its 85th year, Schmidt's Candies is still going strong -- and it's still got that classic old-fashioned look. Check out how the store looked back in the 1940s compared with today --
And when you walk inside - wow! It's become a cliche -- to say that walking into a place like Schmidt's is like walking back in time. But it's so very true in this case. The store is largely unchanged -- and you're treading on the same wonderfully tiled floor that you did when you were a kid. And maybe even your parents did, when they were kids.
All of the candy is made on-premises, and they even use the same copper kettle and marble tables that Grandpa Schmidt used, back when he founded the place (though the kettle has been re-plated a few times). This past Friday Night, Project Woodhaven On The Air was happy to speak with Margie Schmidt, the current owner of Schmidt's Candies and granddaughter of the founder. Here's how that went:
Subsequent callers identified Pop's as the oldest business on the Avenue -- but Schmidt's holds the special distinction of being tended to by the same family -- 85 years, owned and operated by 3 generations of Schmidt's. That's very special. And with Valentine's Day just weeks away -- and Easter not too far away -- this is a great time to treat yourself, or someone you love, to a taste of old-fashioned, hand made Schmidt's Candy. If you're in the neighborhood, drop in and say hi -- and enjoy the elegant, classic style of an old-fashioned candy store. But if you're not local anymore, and maybe you're homesick for a taste of Woodhaven -- Schmidt's will deliver. Or maybe you're still in Woodhaven, but you have an old auntie or uncle that's moved to Florida. Schmidt's will deliver. You can order candy through their website -- or you can simply call 718-846-9326. Schmidt's delivers to all 50 states! I grew up pretty much across the street -- on Jamaica Avenue, 1 block down. It was always a treat going into Schmidt's and it still is -- it brings back many, many memories. In fact, looking at this store, one wonders how someone hasn't taken advantage of it and filmed a scene from a movie inside! So, with Valentine's Day just 2 weeks away -- Margie Schmidt and her crew will be working overtime to make sure there's enough chocolate for all those hearts. If you call in an order, tell them you heard their interview on Project Woodhaven! And remember, we're LIVE, each and every Friday Night on Blog Talk Radio -- the number to call in and share your memories is 646-378-1612. That's Fridays from 10 PM until 11:00 -- Woodhaven time :-) If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com .
