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Benne Candy Ephemera

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2025-052

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.

Dates

  • 1930's

Language of Materials

The material in this collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

Administrative note

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.

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.

Source of Acquisition

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

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Benne Candy Ephemera by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

Processing Information

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

Title
Benne Candy Ephemera
Status
Completed
Author
Olivia Tingle, Student Assistant
Date
2025 (CC0 1.0)
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308