Worldwide industrialization started in the late 19th century. When combined with the turmoil among the European aristocracy, it caused thousands of tradesmen to flee to the New World. Among them were two brothers, Hans and Charles Bauer, who were artisan candy makers for a wealthy patron, Otto von Bismark. But in 1888 his arch rival, William II, defeated him politically.

The result made the lives of both brothers nearly impossible; so, they came to America. Like most immigrants of that era, they arrived with little or no money. They started their new lives on Columbia Avenue. Back then, it was the center of a slum section in downtown Philadelphia

Undeterred, they followed the American dream and opened a candy making business out of their shared home in October of 1889. A few years later the city flattened the entire area as part of an urban redevelopment program, causing the displaced brothers so much strife and grief that they went their separate ways.

Fast forward to today. At 78 years old, I’m the 4th generation great grandson of original American Charles, and try very hard to see what the world wants through the contemporary eyes of others. That view shows that people still want delicious candy, but with a modern twist.