Source: Jeff Greenberg / Getty
CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -There is a internet-based debate about the origins of Sweetest Day but we know this for sure, according to American Greetings who often gets blamed, “We had nothing to do with it.”
The likely origin, and most sited, is that it was created by Clevelander Herbert Birch Kingston who was a candy maker in 1922.
Kingston is credited with started it all by giving candy to orphans and the less fortunate in Cleveland.
According to Retail Confectioners International (RCI) “With the help of friends and neighbors, he distributed these small remembrances on a Saturday in October. For years to follow, other Clevelanders began to participate in the tradition, which came to be known as Sweetest Day.”
It continued for years and but was mostly only popular in Midwest cities including Detroit and Buffalo.
“In time, the idea of spreading cheer to the underprivileged broadened to include everyone from family and significant others to coworkers and acquaintances with a kind act or a small remembrance,” according to RCI. “With a little help from movie stars in the 1930s, the idea quickly spread to other cities all over the country.”
Locally, and presently, Dan Malley of Malley’s Chocolates said the message for is pretty sweet that will be celebrated this Saturday Oct. 20.
“To me, it is a nice little holiday to say ‘Thank you’ to anyone who might have help you throughout the year,” Malley said.
Malley also said they see a little bump in business but nothing that would compare to Christmas, Easter or Valentine’s Day.
READ MORE: Cleveland19.com
Article Courtesy of WOIO Cleveland 19 News
First and Second Picture Courtesy of Jeff Greenberg and Getty Images
