Tootsie Roll Day is celebrated on February 23 to honour the chocolate-flavored confection that has been a popular treat for generations. The Tootsie Roll is a popular candy in the United States, and we are here to show you how to celebrate the day in an extraordinary way. Do you realise that it has been over 115 years since the Tootsie Roll was invented in 1907 in Brooklyn? Tootsie Roll Day is the birthday of Leo Hershfield, the inventor of Tootsie Rolls. This confection with an unusual name is popular nationwide. This day is celebrated by eating Tootsie Rolls.
The background of Tootsie Roll Day
Leo Hirshfield, an Austrian-Jewish immigrant, opened his candy store in Brooklyn in 1896. First confection sold by him was Bromangellon jelly powder. In 1907, Hirshfield submitted his initial patent application for the creation of the Tootsie Roll candy. The candy was named after Leo Hirshfield’s daughter, Clara, whose nickname was Tootsie. In 1908, Tootsie Rolls became wildly popular and were sold in large quantities.
Leo Hirshfield changed the company’s name to Sweet Company of America in 1917. The company was acquired by Joseph Rubin and Sons of Brooklyn in 1935. Under the leadership of the new president, the company expanded exponentially. Additionally, the size of Tootsie Rolls increased at this time. Then, Rubin relocated the company’s headquarters from Manhattan to New Jersey. C.C. Beck created the comic book character Captain Tootsie in 1943. The comic strips appeared in Sunday newspapers, and Toby Press published a comic book a few years later.
In 1962, Ellen Rubin Gordon, the niece of Joseph Rubin, assumed control of the company. The company changed its name to Tootsie Rolls Industries in 1966. In 2015, Ellen Rubin Gordon became the company’s chief executive officer. Tootsie Rolls Industries is a commercial giant that produces approximately 64 million Tootsie Rolls per day. Tootsie Rolls Day honours this delicious candy that is enjoyed daily by millions of people.
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TOOTSIE ROLL DAY PROGRAMS
Eat Tootsie Rolls
What better way to observe Tootsie Rolls Day than by eating and appreciating them? Purchase Tootsie Rolls from a nearby store and distribute them to your friends and family. Additionally, you can distribute it to your neighbours.
Celebrate with Tootsie Rolls.
Throw a Tootsie Roll-themed celebration with all the trimmings. The honour meal can be dessert. Give a prize to the Tootsie Roll with the best attire.
Be generous
Buy Tootsie Rolls and distribute them to the homeless. Or, take some to the nearest senior centre and distribute them to the five oldest residents.
5 Tootsie Roll Facts That Will Blow Your Mind
Tootsie Rolls were included in the U.S. army troop ration during World War II due to their durability and resistance to spoilage in harsh environments.
It was a rumour that wrappers depicting an Indian with an arrow could be exchanged for Tootsie Rolls.
Frank Sinatra was a huge fan of Tootsie Rolls.
18-year-old Ellen Gordon, the current CEO of Tootsie Rolls industries, was featured in a 1950s advertisement.
Initially, Tootsie Rolls were available in raspberry, orange, grape, cherry, and chocolate flavours.
TOOTSIE ROLL DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 23 | Thursday |
| 2024 | February 23 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 23 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 23 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 23 | Tuesday |