About Us
America's oldest family owned candy business began as an offshoot of the Washburn Bakery in 1856. Francis B. Washburn started the business over 164 years ago in a small building in Brockton (MA) that now encompasses five floors and 150,000 square feet. The most popular of the firm's many bakery items was a coconut cookie, similar to the macaroon of today.
The large sales of this cookie prompted Washburn to enter the candy field. From the original coconut macaroon, the idea of making a candy bar developed. The famous Waleeco Coconut was born. The success of this candy bar led to others, one of which was the Washburn Peanut Bar, similar to the Planter's Peanut Bar that Planter's manufactures today.
FB Washburn Candy grew and eventually starch and hard candy departments were added. Washburn had now established a brand name in the New England area, and its line of old-fashioned hard candies such as Sour Balls, Peppermint Starlights and Lollipops became household words. A Christmas specialty known as Ribbon Candy was particularly popular.
During the heart of the depression in 1933, the Gilson’s moved from Brooklyn to Brockton, Massachusetts. Through Harry Gilson's tireless efforts, FB Washburn Candy slowly recovered and started to grow and prosper.
Two years after assuming control, Harry invited his brother Sam to join him in business. Throughout the 40's and 50's, the company expanded. The Waleeco Coconut bar became famous and was advertised locally on the radio during all Boston Braves and Boston Red Sox games, with Jerry O'Leary conducting a program before all of the home games. Beginning in the 60's and continuing through the mid 80's, the battle for shelf space in then emerging supermarkets and discount stores was underway.
During the World War, the entire production of the Waleeco Coconut Bar was distributed throughout the US Army Force.
The candy bar business declined sharply and the new management decided to discontinue all candy bars and close down the chocolate department to concentrate exclusively on hard candy. FB Washburn Candy was now into the second generation of Gilson management as the two sons of Harry Gilson, Lester and Robert, became the new owners. A third generation of the family entered the candy business in 1974 with Robert's son, Douglas, coming on board.
Lester and Robert retired in 1997.
Exciting things are coming as FB Washburn fires on all pistons adding new flavors to its existing hard candy lines. It will only get sweeter!
