Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice
In the article "10 big Jewish inventions," published June 17 in the Heritage, the third entry, "Sam Born, the Candy Man," is about my grandfather. I recently retired as CEO of Just Born Quality Confections.
The article was mostly factual, but I do want to offer one correction: Sam Born, creator of Just Born, did not create Goldenberg's Peanut Chews, rather, Just Born purchased the Goldenberg Candy Company (based in Philadelphia, Pa.) in 2003 from the fourth generation Goldenberg family. In fact, David Goldenberg, founder of Goldenbergs in 1890, created the Peanut Chew in 1917 for, in part, the troop rations during WWI. And yes, David Goldenberg was Jewish, and subsequent generations were very active in the Jewish community.
One more interesting fact about Just Born: In 1953, Just Born purchased a little known and local business in Lancaster, Pa., known as Rodda Candy Company. From its humble beginnings, Peeps (the marshmallow treats famous at Easter) were "born." My father, Bob Born, created the initial machinery that enabled the product to be produced effectively, and over the many years, has become a confectionery icon at Easter. (It's the only Just Born product that is not kosher because of the non-kosher gelatin. Mike & Ike and Hot Tamales are both OU Pareve.
Thanks very much for your interest in my grandfather, who was a giant of a human being and a good Jew!
- Ross Born
Reader Comments(0)